Rodri is set to miss the remainder of the season after it was confirmed that he suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal.
The Man City superstar will likely miss eight to nine months of action following assessments on his knee after a dramatic 2-2 draw.
It’s a huge blow for Pep Guardiola who will now will feel his side’s Premier League title hopes have taken a massive hit.
Here’s all we know about Rodri’s season-ending injury…
What happened to Rodri?
Rodri was substituted in the 21st minute of a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad after planting his foot in an awkward position.
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As he went to attack a corner, he jarred his right leg into the ground and instantly fell, grasping his knee.
He was riding around on the pitch for a few seconds before both sets of players came to his aid and medics checked him out.
The midfielder was able to stand up and hobble off at the time but is now confirmed that he suffered a serious ligament injury.
What has been said?
A few days after the incident, Man City released a statement revealing what had happened.
It read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
“The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
“The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester.
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“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.
“Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery.”
And now after those assessments, Rodri and Man City have received the worst possible news…
Speaking at his pre-Newcastle press conference, Guardiola said: “This season is over. It is the worst news, but it is what it is.
“We don’t have a similar player, but the players all together can replace Rodri. We have to do it as a team and find a way.”
Guardiola was then asked if his team could cope without Rodri.
He said: “If we don’t win, it’s because we miss Rodri.
“We are stronger with him, but he’s out for eight to nine months.
“He got surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus.
“Next season, he will be here”.
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What are Man City’s options now?
This will be a massive blow for Man City, who are bidding for an unprecedented fifth straight Premier League title.
Rodri has been fundamental to City’s success in recent seasons, in particular their treble winning campaign in 2022/23.
He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan and produced consistent and dominant midfield displays.
City didn’t lose a single Premier League match that he played in last season, with all of their three defeats coming without him.
Guardiola will now have to call upon other midfielders including Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Matheus Nunes as cover.
It was Kovacic who replaced Rodri against Arsenal, however, City went on to concede twice after that change.
And both Gundogan and Nunes usually play in more advanced roles.
John Stones could potentially move into a midfield role as he did impressively at times during the treble-winning season.
But whatever is decided, given Rodri’s importance in the middle of the pitch, fans will fear a dip in success while the Euro 2024 winner is out.
