Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri may miss the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to reports from Spain on Monday.
The 28-year-old limped off during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, clutching his right knee.
Both ESPN and Spanish sports daily Marca reported that tests conducted on Monday confirmed an ACL tear.
Rodri’s absence would be a significant setback for City as they aim for a fifth consecutive Premier League title and seek to reclaim the Champions League.
The former Atletico Madrid player has lost just one of his last 84 matches for club and country.
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He has also been mentioned as a potential Ballon d’Or contender this year, thanks to his pivotal role in City’s latest Premier League triumph and Spain’s success at Euro 2024.
“Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there,” City boss Pep Guardiola said after the Arsenal match.
“He’s the best holding midfielder in the world, he is a potential Ballon d’Or winner. I would love for him to win (the Ballon d’Or).”
City were already short on options to cover for Rodri, and his absence creates a significant void in Guardiola’s midfield.
Mateo Kovacic had been filling in the holding midfield role earlier in the season as Rodri was gradually reintroduced following his intense performances that earned him player of the tournament at Euro 2024.
Just last week, Rodri had expressed concerns that top players might consider striking due to the increasingly packed schedule.
He logged over 5,000 minutes across 63 games for City and Spain last season.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer,” he said on the increasing physical and mental demands placed on players.
“Someone has to take care of us because we are the main characters of this, let’s say, sport, or business, whatever you want to call it.
City will face Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday, just over 48 hours after their match against Arsenal.
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