- Rodri went off injured in the first half of Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday
- It has now been confirmed that he suffered a serious knee injury in the match.
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Manchester City have confirmed that star midfielder Rodri suffered a serious knee injury in their top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Rodri limped off in the first half after falling untouched as he ran towards the near post to try and take a corner.
He writhed in pain while receiving treatment, leaving City fans concerned he had suffered a long-term injury, and reports emerged on Monday afternoon that Rodri had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The Premier League champions confirmed the news on Tuesday, with the 28-year-old likely to miss the majority of the season.
In a club statement, City wrote: ‘Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
Rodri was injured in the first half against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon
The Spanish international limped off the pitch with the help of City’s medical department
Pep Guardiola’s worst fears have been confirmed: Rodri will now be ruled out for an extended period due to a serious knee injury.
‘The injury occurred during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
The midfielder travelled to Spain for specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester.
‘The assessment is continuing to determine the full extent of the injury and the expected prognosis. Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery.’
Rodri’s injury is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola’s men, as he has been instrumental in their success in recent seasons.
Since joining the club five years ago, Rodri has made 260 appearances and won four league titles and the Champions League.
He scored the winner that helped City break their European slump by beating Inter Milan 1-0 in last year’s Champions League final.
Rodri also won the European Championship with Spain in July and is one of the leading candidates to lift this year’s Ballon d’Or.
But he will now have to spend a long period on the sidelines following his devastating injury.
His ligament pain comes just days after he called on authorities to ease football’s schedule as he suggested players could strike if their concerns are not heard.
Rodri suffered his devastating injury just days after complaining about the football calendar, while suggesting players could go on strike in the future.
City are competing in five different competitions this season, including the recently expanded Club World Cup next summer.
Rodri could return in time for that tournament, but it seems unlikely he will take part in the title defence or attempt to win another European trophy.
Guardiola, meanwhile, must find a way to cope without Rodri, something he has struggled to do in the past.
City have won 74 per cent of their games when Rodri has played since his arrival in 2019, but this percentage drops to 64 per cent in games in which he has missed.
