Rodri hinted at making his comeback from ACL injury
Rodri’s season has come to an end with an ACL tear and meniscus damage, confirms Manchester City medical. Guardiola cleared the smoke surrounding Rodri’s injury to ESPN before indicating more tests would be required to provide a better picture of the injury.
“He had surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus, we think,” Guardiola told The Athletic reporter. “Next season, he will be with us. This season is over. Unfortunately, we got the worst news, but that is what happened. We will be there to support him and move forward step by step.”
Within 20 minutes of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal Rodri fell to the ground in a non-contact injury limping his way out of the pitch. Mateo Kovacic replaced the 28-year-old who could gain some more game time in the Spaniard’s absence.
However, Guardiola has informed the City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, regarding the possible January signings with Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, Real Socediad’s Martin Zubimendi, and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong as potential midseason recruitments.
Additionally, Zubimendi turned down the move to Liverpool to stay at Real Sociedad.
“We will see,” Guardiola said. “We talked today with Txiki, we will see what’s going on. We don’t have to decide tomorrow, right? We have time to see the potential problems we will have, and after, we will see.”
Considered to be the finest holding midfielder in the game, Rodri was pivotal in City claiming their fourth consecutive Premier League title in May. He followed his club’s success with a Euro 2024 triumph with Spain and was named best player in the tournament. His other highlights include the match-winner in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan and an added nine goals for the club throughout the season.
On Tuesday Guardiola admitted after City’s 2-1 victory over Watford in the League Cup, that Rodri is an “irreplaceable talent.”
“When a team doesn’t play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time, of course, it is a big blow, but my duty is to find a solution so that we remain competitive as we have been for many years,” the Spaniard added.
Without Rodri, Manchester City lost three of four Premier League matches last season, making the midfield’s presence unparalleled for the side chasing success.
Rodri recently made an appearance on COPE where he stated, “I have in mind to play this season. It’s a challenge! Now the seasons are getting longer and with the Club World Cup it ends in July.” Although the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is expected to miss the 2024/25 season but hinted at his return before the end of the season if recovered from his ACL injury.
Will Pep find a solution? Only time will tell.
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