Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed uncertainty over the extent of the injury sustained by Rodri during City’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. The Spanish midfielder, who has already faced injury setbacks this season, was substituted in the 21st minute after a clash with Thomas Partey.
Rodri initially went down holding his face following a collision with Kai Havertz early in the match but continued playing. However, he later appeared in significant pain, clutching his knee after a tussle with Partey, prompting Guardiola to bring on Mateo Kovacic.
City took an early lead through Erling Haaland, but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes turned the game in Arsenal’s favor. John Stones salvaged a point for City with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted he had not yet spoken to the medical team about Rodri’s condition. “I don’t know yet. I didn’t ask the doctors. He is strong. He felt something, otherwise, he would have stayed on the pitch,” the City boss said. Guardiola also praised Rodri, describing him as the best holding midfielder in the world and a potential Ballon d’Or candidate.
Rodri’s injury comes at a challenging time for City, with the midfielder likely to miss upcoming fixtures, including Tuesday’s EFL Cup match against Watford and Saturday’s league clash against Newcastle United. With Kevin De Bruyne also sidelined, Guardiola may rely on the Kovacic-Rico Lewis partnership or explore other options, including promoting promising academy talent Jacob Wright.
City fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates on Rodri’s condition as the team navigates a busy fixture schedule without one of their key players.
