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Premier League 2024-25 table-toppers, Manchester City have received a major blow as the side will miss the services of midfielder Rodri for the remainder of the season. The City midfielder, who featured in side’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, had sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee.
The 28-year-old, who is the leading contender to win the Ballon d’Or after helping Spain to win the Euro 2024 title, underwent a surgery and will reportedly miss nine months of action. Speaking of Rodri’s injury, the 28-year-old was forced to walk off with a serious injury in just 21 minutes into the game. The City midfielder clutched to his right leg during a corner sequence and saw Mataeo Kovacic replacing him in the side.
Next season he will be here: Pep Guardiola
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola informed that Rodri has undergone the surgery and will be out of action for the entire season now. “He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus,” Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday ahead of City’s trip to Newcastle. “Next season he will be here. This season is over (for him). It is what it is. Unfortunately, we got the worst (news) but it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and (help him make a) good recovery, step by step, and move forward,” Pep further added.
Hailing him as an “irreplaceable” player, Pep continued, “What gives us, we don’t have a similar player, but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us. We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us,” he added.
It is to be noted that Rodri proved to be a crucial member for the Citizens during last season’s title run where City pipped Arsenal to win their fourth consecutive league title. Rodri missed five games last season and saw City lost four of them.
City to be without Kevin de Bruyne for Newcastle trip
Manchester City will also be without Belgium midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday, September 28. De Bruyne also missed the 2-2 draw against Arsenal and may not return to action until after the international break in October.
