ROD MAN OUT Rodri ‘set to miss the rest of the SEASON as initial tests suggest Man City star has torn cruciate ligaments’
Champions reeling as key anchorman faces long spell out
Posted Tuesday, September 24, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk
MANCHESTER CITY fear Rodri could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The Spain midfielder last night flew to Barcelona for further tests with Pep Guardiola’s favoured specialist, Dr Ramon Cugat.
Rodri was seriously hurt against Arsenal Credit: Getty
But reports in his homeland say indications are the 28-year-old ruptured a cruciate ligament in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
If the worst news is confirmed, the likelihood is the Ballon d’Or contender will not feature again for months in a huge blow to Guardiola’s defending Premier League champions.
Rodri looked in some distress following a tussle with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey midway through the first half.
He had lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Mateo Kovacic at the Etihad.
But the fact Rodri — who has played just 66 Prem minutes this term — walked off led to hopes it may not be as serious as first feared.
However, initial scans yesterday were not good and City are waiting for Cugat to give his verdict.
Ironically, Rodri spoke out last week about the possibility of players going on strike over the increased number of matches they are being asked to play.
He came off at half-time in Spain’s Euro 2024 final triumph over England in July with a hamstring injury and missed the start of the Prem season.
The former Atletico Madrid star has played a huge part in City’s recent success and has become their own ‘Invincible’.
It was February 2023 when they last lost a Prem game with the midfield linchpin in their side.
And his form for club and country mean he is second favourite behind Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to lift the coveted Ballon d’Or next month.
Ilkay Gundogan could play in Rodri’s holding role, while Kovacic, Bernardo Silva and John Stones are other options.
City 19-year-olds Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly have also spent time learning the role, which boss Guardiola considers to be so vital.
But City, who host Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, could be forced into the transfer market in January.
They weighed up a move for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes in the summer but were put off by the £100million asking price.
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