Rodri sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This blow could significantly impact the champions' quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title. The 28-year-old had to leave the field after just 21 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, visibly in pain following a challenge by Thomas Partey inside the Arsenal penalty area. While further tests are pending, City officials are bracing for the worst regarding the availability of one of Pep Guardiola's key players. As Guardiola stated in March about the midfielder, whom he considers the best No 6 in the world, "He is irreplaceable right now."
Guardiola has found it challenging to find a suitable replacement for Rodri. Kalvin Phillips was acquired from Leeds in July 2022 to provide competition for the Spanish international but was deemed not up to the required standard. The 28-year-old was loaned out to West Ham for the latter part of last season and is currently on loan at Ipswich Town. Mateo Kovacic, who stepped in for Rodri against Arsenal, is more trusted by Guardiola, but the Croatian's playing style differs significantly from City's No 16, necessitating long-term adjustments in how Guardiola sets up his team.
Rodri's absence was notably felt at the start of last season when he was suspended for three games, all of which City lost. Their only defeat in regulation time during the campaign with him in the lineup was against Manchester United in the FA Cup final in May.
