Manchester City star and Ballon d’Or favorite Rodri limped off the Etihad Stadium pitch on Sunday following a non-contact knee injury early in City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and now the Premier League champions have confirmed that it is a long-term ligament injury.
Pep Guardiola confirmed Friday that the EURO-winning midfielder will miss the rest of the season following surgery on both his ACL and meniscus earlier in the day.
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It all seemed so innocuous, as City led 1-0 against Arsenal and were attacking a corner kick for a second goal. Rodri was jostling for position with Thomas Partey when his left knee appeared to buckle while planting on the grass inside the 18.
The Spaniard was immediately in distress, feeling around the perimeter of his knee while Man City players signaled feverishly for trainers.
Rodri was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 21st minute. Less than two minutes later, Riccardo Calafiori scored to tie the game in Manchester. The heated battle ended in a 2-2 draw but it was Rodri’s injury which promises to be more influential in the title race.
Rodri injury update — Pep Guardiola says Rodri out for rest of season
Pep Guardiola confirmed Tuesday that Rodri needs surgery, but had some hope that certain options could have him back later this season.
Surgery changed that.
“He had surgery this morning — ACL and some meniscus — so next season he will be here,” Guardiola said in his Friday press conference. “This season is over. We got the worst [news possible] but it is what it is. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are there to support him. Good recovery, step-by-step and we move forward. “
Guardiola also said Kevin De Bruyne will miss City’s game at Newcastle.
A hamstring injury plus a long EURO run with Spain meant Rodri’s season with City has been off to a slow start. He had played just 135 minutes for the club including 90 against Inter Milan in the Champions League at midweek.
Rodri has played in at least 33 Premier League matches each season for Man City since arriving from Atletico Madrid prior to the 2019-20 season.
