Sports
Man City’s Rodri Ruled Out For The Season Due To Knee Injury
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the Spain international, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during last week’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, underwent surgery on Friday.
“He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus,” he said. “So, next season he will be here. This season is over.”
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Rodri, regarded as one of City’s key players, will be sorely missed by Guardiola, who is also aiming to reclaim the Champions League title. Speaking ahead of the team’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, Guardiola described the news as devastating, emphasizing Rodri’s critical role as a defensive midfielder, whom he has previously labelled “irreplaceable.”
“We have to do it as a team and find a way to play during a lot of months without an important player for us,” he said.
“Everybody knows it. Speedy recovery and next season he will compete against them.
“We are stronger with him, we’re stronger with Nathan Ake, we are strong with Oscar Bobb.
“All the injuries we did not want it, but football happens.”
Rodri was instrumental in helping Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, while also being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after leading Spain to victory.
City’s reliance on the former Atletico Madrid midfielder is evident, as their last four Premier League defeats all occurred in matches where Rodri was absent.
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The 28-year-old, widely regarded as a potential Ballon d’Or contender, has not lost a Premier League match in his last 52 appearances, a streak dating back to February 2023.
Despite the setback, Guardiola, whose side currently sits atop the Premier League table, expressed confidence in his squad’s depth, highlighting Mateo Kovacic as a capable like-for-like replacement among his “magnificent players.”
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