Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri is ready to overlook a big chunk of the season as a consequence of a knee harm, casting a shadow over the workforce’s Premier League title aspirations.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that the precise severity of Rodri’s situation continues to be unknown, however preliminary fears recommend it might be an ACL harm, probably sidelining the 28-year-old Spaniard for an prolonged interval.
Rodri limped off within the first half throughout City’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, a match the place he had already been pivotal in establishing early management.
Following the workforce’s League Cup victory over Watford, Guardiola expressed his concern, saying, “We still don’t have the definitive diagnosis, but he will be out for a long time, a while.”
He added that extra info from medical workers was anticipated quickly, together with particulars about any obligatory surgical procedure.
Since becoming a member of from Atletico Madrid in 2019, Rodri has been indispensable for City, showing in 174 Premier League matches and dropping solely 19 instances, with 129 victories to his title.
His absence, nonetheless, dramatically impacts City’s probabilities, as evidenced by their document with out him.
The workforce has misplaced seven of the 21 league matches he missed – a staggering 33% loss fee – in comparison with a mere 10.9% when he’s on the pitch.
Last season, City suffered three defeats within the first half with out Rodri, however turned their fortunes round upon his return.
Statistically, Rodri excels in profitable again possession and finishing passes within the opposition’s half, highlighting his twin risk as each a defensive stalwart and a playmaker.
His capability to regain the ball and transition shortly has solidified City’s dominance in England and helped Spain reclaim glory in Europe.
In truth, since his arrival, solely as soon as has a City or Spain workforce that includes Rodri misplaced within the final 18 months – towards Manchester United in final season’s FA Cup ultimate.
Guardiola’s nervousness was palpable when Rodri left the sphere throughout the conflict with Arsenal after a seemingly innocuous collision with Thomas Partey.
The hosts have been main 1-0 on the time, however shortly after Rodri’s exit, Arsenal equalized. City in the end salvaged some extent solely because of a late equalizer from John Stones.
Mateo Kovacic is poised to fill Rodri’s function as a like-for-like substitute, but when the worst-case situation relating to Rodri’s harm is confirmed, City’s quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title will face a steep uphill battle.
Source: www.dailysabah.com