Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed uncertainty regarding the seriousness of the injury suffered by Rodri during their thrilling 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League. The Spanish midfielder, who had a rocky start to the season due to a hamstring injury, faced some tough moments against the Gunners. Initially, he collided with Kai Havertz, causing him to hold his face in pain. Shortly after, he found himself on the ground again after a clash with Thomas Partey.
As Rodri lay in agony clutching his knee, it was evident that the injury was significant. Subsequently, Mateo Kovacic replaced him in the 20th minute. Despite Rodri’s absence, City managed to salvage a point thanks to John Stones’ late equalizer after goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes had put Arsenal ahead following Erling Haaland’s opener.
After the match, Guardiola addressed Rodri’s injury in the press conference and admitted that he did not know the extent of it yet. However, he praised Rodri’s abilities, claiming that the midfielder is the best in the world in his position and even suggested he could be a Ballon d’Or winner. Guardiola also highlighted the challenges City faced against Arsenal and their need to adapt in such situations.
Rodri was starting his first Premier League game of the season and only his second overall, having featured against Inter Milan in the Champions League earlier in the week. While awaiting further medical evaluations, it is likely that Rodri will miss upcoming fixtures, including the EFL Cup clash with Watford and possibly the league game against Newcastle United.
The absence of Rodri poses a significant challenge for Guardiola, as the midfielder is considered irreplaceable by many. Options like Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, and Kevin De Bruyne could fill in, but De Bruyne is also dealing with an injury. Another option could be promoting young talent like Jacob Wright from the Under-21s, who has been in impressive form in the Premier League 2.
City fans will be anxious for updates on Rodri’s condition as they prepare for life without their influential midfielder in the coming matches. Guardiola will need to find a suitable replacement to maintain City’s strong start to the season.
