Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
Rodri limped out of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday following a collision with Thomas Partey.
Speaking in his presser ahead of City’s clash with Newcastle on Saturday, Guardiola says Rodri has now had surgery on his knee and will miss the rest of the campaign.
“He had surgery this morning – ACL and some meniscus. So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].
“Unfortunately we got the worst (news) but these things happen. We will be there to support him in his recovery step-by-step.
Also Read: AFCON 2025Q: Libya Unveil 28-Man Squad For Super Eagles Double-Header
“What he gives us, we don’t have a similar player.
“But the others can all together replace what Rodri has given since his arrival to us. We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us.”
Guardiola said Rodri was “irreplaceable” during last season’s title run-in, in which City pipped Arsenal to win their fourth consecutive league title.
The 28-year-old missed five games last season and City lost four of them.
The midfielder was voted player of the tournament as Spain won the trophy for a fourth time and is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or next month.
Earlier this month the former Atletico Madrid player, who played 63 times for City and Spain last season, claimed players are “close to” striking over an increase in the number of games in the calendar, including an expanded Champions League and Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, City are set to be without Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne for their Premier League trip to Newcastle United this weekend.
De Bruyne missed the draw with Arsenal and may not return to action until after the international break in October.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
COMMENTS