Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports.
Guardiola Expects Extended Absence but Hopes for Quicker Recovery
Manchester City have confirmed that Spain midfielder Rodri sustained a knee ligament injury during Sunday’s match against Arsenal. The injury occurred in the 21st minute after a collision with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey during a corner, forcing Rodri to be substituted early in the game.
Rodri Set for Extended Absence
While no definitive timeline for Rodri’s recovery has been provided, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted that the midfielder could be out for an extended period. Speaking after City's Carabao Cup victory over Watford on Tuesday, Guardiola expressed concerns over the length of Rodri’s absence but held out hope that the injury might be less severe than initially feared.
"Still we don't have the definitive [diagnosis] but he will be out for a long time," said Guardiola. "There are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected. We're waiting for confirmation from the doctors."
Rodri has traveled to Spain to consult with a specialist after undergoing initial tests in Manchester.
Rodri’s Impact and Guardiola’s Challenge
Guardiola has described the 28 year old midfielder as "irreplaceable," noting that Manchester City have not lost in the last 48 Premier League matches in which Rodri has started. His absence will pose a significant challenge for the team, which struggled in games without him last season, losing four out of five matches when he was sidelined.
Rodri’s influence extends beyond his club performances. He was named player of the tournament during Spain's Euro 2024 victory and is a contender for the upcoming Ballon d'Or, awarded to the world's best player.
Concerns Over Player Workload
The injury comes shortly after Rodri voiced concerns about the increasing number of matches in the football calendar, including an expanded Champions League and Club World Cup. A week ago, he mentioned that players are "close to" considering a strike over the demanding schedule.
With Rodri set for a lengthy recovery, Manchester City will need to find a solution to fill the gap left by one of their most influential players. The team now waits for further updates from medical professionals to determine the exact course of action for Rodri’s treatment and recovery.
