Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 28-year-old sustained the injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League, following a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey.
City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that Rodri has already undergone surgery on his knee, which also involved repair to his meniscus. As a result, the influential Spaniard will not return to action until the next season.
“He had surgery this morning—ACL and some meniscus,” Guardiola stated. “So, next season he will be here. This season is over for him.”
Rodri has been a vital cog in City’s engine room, particularly during last season’s title race, when City overtook Arsenal to claim their fourth consecutive Premier League crown. Guardiola expressed his disappointment, labeling Rodri as “irreplaceable,” and highlighted the challenge his absence will pose for the team.
“We got the worst news possible, but these things happen. We will support him step-by-step in his recovery,” Guardiola said. “What he gives us is unique, and we don’t have a similar player. But collectively, the team will have to find a way to replace what he brings.”
Rodri’s absence comes as a significant blow, particularly considering City’s struggles without him last season. They lost four of the five games he missed. Since joining City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, the team has won 89% of the matches he has played in, compared to 76% without him.
Adding to City’s injury concerns, Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will also miss their upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday. De Bruyne has been sidelined since City’s draw with Arsenal and is not expected to return until after the international break in October.
Rodri’s ACL injury was a fresh blow after just recovering from a hamstring issue he sustained in Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. Rodri, who was named Player of the Tournament as Spain lifted the trophy, has been tipped as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best footballer.
Last season, Rodri made 63 appearances for City and Spain, and earlier this month, he expressed concerns about the increasing number of fixtures in the football calendar, hinting that players are “close to” striking over the expanded schedules, which now include an extended Champions League and the Club World Cup.
SOURCE: BBC
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