- Rodri went off injured in the first half of Man City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday
- It has now been confirmed that he suffered a serious knee injury in the match
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Manchester City have confirmed their star midfielder Rodri suffered a serious knee injury in their top of the table clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Rodri hobbled off in the first half after going down without appearing to be touched while sprinting to the near post to try and meet a corner.
He was left writhing in agony as he received treatment, leaving City fans concerned that he had picked up a long-term injury, and reports emerged on Monday afternoon that Rodri had torn the ACL in his right knee.
The Premier League champions confirmed this news on Tuesday, with the 28-year-old now likely to miss the majority of the season.
In a club statement, City wrote: ‘Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
Rodri went down injured in the first half against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon
The Spanish international hobbled off the pitch with the aid of City’s medical department
Pep Guardiola’s worst fears have been confirmed, with Rodri now ruled out for an extended period with a serious knee injury
‘The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
‘The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester.
‘Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery.’
Rodri’s injury is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola’s men as he has been pivotal to their success in recent seasons.
Since arriving at the club five years ago, Rodri has made 260 appearances and won four league titles and the Champions League.
He scored the winning goal as City broke their European duck by beating Inter Milan 1-0 in the Champions League final last year.
Rodri also won the European Championship with Spain in July, and is one of the leading contenders to lift this year’s Ballon d’Or.
But he is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after his devastating injury setback.
His ligament agony comes just days after he called on authorities to ease the football schedule, as he suggested players could go on strike if their concerns are not heard.
Rodri picked up his devastating injury just days after complaining about the football calendar, as he suggested players could go on strike in the future
City are involved in five different competitions this season, including the newly-expanded Club World Cup which is due to take place next summer.
Rodri may return in time for that tournament, but looks unlikely to play a part in their title defence or bid to win another European trophy.
Meanwhile, Guardiola must find a way to cope without Rodri, which is something he has struggled to do in the past.
City have won 74 per cent of their matches when Rodri has featured since his arrival in 2019, but this drops to 64 per cent for matches he has missed.
