It can be a major blow for Manchester City as one of their key components in the attacking echelons, Rodri is suspected to be out of action for the entire season with a potential ACL tear. Even though nothing has been confirmed yet, vigorous tests are being performed to fathom the extent of the injury on the Spanish midfielder.
During Manchester City’s latest clash in the Premier League with Arsenal, Rodri was seen down on the pitch in almost intolerable agony clutching onto his knee. It was just 21 minutes into the game against the Gunners that Rodri’s fate was sealed as he limped off the ground, while being supported by the physio. He was replaced by Croatian midfielder, Mateo Kovacic.
Reports state that Rodri may not return for the season at all as he has ruptured his ACL. However, Manchester City’s gaffer, Pep Guardiola still hasn’t passed any communique pertaining to one of his most reliable mainstays in the midfield. Ahead of Manchester City’s all-important Carabao Cup fixture against Watford, Guardiola said that the reports are still being awaited and nothing solid has yet been determined.
Rodri’s presence in the midfield has been a crucial one for Manchester City. He has been a part of 50 fixtures in the last season out of which the Cityzens have lost just once. However, to add to the alarm, City lost four of the nine games in the preceding season that the Spaniard wasn’t a part of. Truth be told, City has ample back-up on their bench to work their way out even if Rodri misses out. However, the kind of creativity that Rodri brought to the table, that would somewhat be unmatched.
Manchester City secured a fine win against Watford
Keeping the Rodri situation aside, Manchester City returned to winning ways as they edged past Watford in Carabao Cup last night. Jeremy Doku opened the scoring for the Cityzens while Matheus Nunes doubled their lead. Despite Tom Ince reducing the deficit for the visitors, it wasn’t enough to challenge the supremacy of the defending Premier League champions.
City will be back to Premier League action against Newcastle United on Saturday and will play Slovan Bratislava in their second round fixture in the UEFA Champions League, searching desperately for their first win of the tournament. Despite possessing a well-oiled attacking unit, City could only secure a goalless draw against Internazionale.