Reports: Rodri to miss remainder of season with ACL injury
- Rodri forced off during Man City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal
- Reports state midfielder has suffered ACL injury
- Spain international spoke openly about physical toll of hectic schedule
By Tom Gott
Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, reports have stated.
Rodri, who has spoken openly about the physical toll of his side's hectic schedule and even teased the idea of going on strike to force change, was forced off just 20 minutes into the game after falling to the ground trying to get some space in the box.
As first revealed by MARCA, Rodri underwent tests in Manchester which indicated a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The midfielder is believed to be travelling to Madrid for further checks and a final, formal diagnosis. ESPN state an ACL injury has already been confirmed.
Such an injury will likely sideline Rodri for the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign - an enormous blow to City's push to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title.
Rodri is among the leading candidates to win this season's Ballon d'Or after a stellar year with club and country, and so his absence will be sorely felt by a City side who do not have a natural alternative to sit at the base of their midfield.
Pep Guardiola introduced Mateo Kovacic to replace Rodri against Arsenal, while the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis and even centre-back John Stones could all see significant minutes at the base of midfield this season.
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