Manchester City’s Rodri was recently photographed entering a specialized hospital clinic in Barcelona, marking his first appearance since sustaining a potentially season-ending injury during Sunday’s intense Premier League match against Arsenal. The talented midfielder, considered a strong contender for the upcoming Ballon d’Or award, plays a crucial role in City’s playing style and success. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave the match in the 21st minute following a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, grasping his right knee in pain. Initial tests revealed the seriousness of the injury, with further examinations likely to confirm an extended period on the sidelines. Seeking expert advice, the 28-year-old has traveled to Barcelona for a consultation with renowned injury specialist Dr. Ramon Cugat to assess the extent of his injury and expected recovery time.
Rodri was seen arriving at a hospital in Barcelona for a check-up on his knee injury.
The midfielder from the City team faced a concerning knee injury during the match against Arsenal on Sunday.
There are worries that Rodri might have to sit out the rest of the season due to his injury. One silver lining is that he was able to attend a meeting without needing crutches or any walking aid, with only a member of City’s medical team assisting him. Nevertheless, it is likely that he will have to take a long break from playing, as City is taking his injury seriously and aiming to get a top-notch diagnosis. With Rodri expected to be sidelined for some time, Pep Guardiola will need to come up with a new midfield strategy to make up for the absence of arguably his team’s most crucial player.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, may be in for a tough decision with Rodri potentially facing a long-term injury. The team hasn’t lost a game in the league since February 2023 when Rodri wasn’t playing. Despite missing three games last season due to injury, City managed to win the title once he returned to the lineup.
The recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal was Rodri’s first start of the season following a break to recover from an injury sustained during Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England. In Rodri’s absence, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, and Rico Lewis have all stepped in to fill the defensive midfield role.
City’s upcoming fixtures against Watford, Newcastle, and Slovan Bratislava should be manageable even without Rodri in the lineup. Guardiola will need to find the right combination of players to maintain the team’s success during this challenging period.
