Manchester City has landed in a bit of turmoil. While the club suffered several injuries last season, the 2024-25 season seemed to go well until Sunday when Rodri was taken off the pitch in the early stages of the first half. The midfielder was seen in pain after chasing a corner shot inside the opponent’s box and crumbled suddenly. Running behind Thomas Partey, Rodri had minimal or no contact with the Arsenal defender which hinted at a serious issue.

Subsequently, the news got worrisome when the star made a gesture hinting that he couldn’t carry on anymore. While there was a glimmer of hope yesterday that it would not be serious, even the second opinion that he took indicates a potentially season-ending injury.

According to the latest reports, the midfielder has moved from Barcelona to Madrid hoping to receive better news after initial impressions of a torn cruciate ligament.

But after going to Madrid, reports now suggest that it could be ACL while the confirmatory report is awaited. This could almost push the Spanish international out of the entire season as Pep Guardiola’s side fights for their fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Meanwhile, there were a few positives earlier when he was seen at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport without much protective and supportive equipment. Rodri had already launched complaints about the heavy workload for soccer stars this season because of multiple competitions and matches. The new UEFA Champions League format, the clamped English soccer tournaments along with international games, had brought about concern amongst players such as Rodri.

Moreover, the 29-year-old already suffered a minor hamstring problem in the final of the 2024 Euro and this injury could be costly for the Sky Blues with being pivotal in their recent victorious campaigns. Therefore, Guardiola rues the blow as he isn’t left with many options.

Pep Guardiola’ gives his latest on Rodri

With a pretty low-key transfer market, Manchester City, like other rivals Arsenal, are suffering some key replacements. Although an alternative for Rodri is difficult to find, Pep hopes to find a reasonable one. Taking about his absence, Guardiola said, “Yes, he’s irreplaceable. But I will find a solution. There is an alternative, we will do it. When you have one player who is irreplaceable, as a team we have to find a solution. Last season, we were three months without Erling, five months without Kevin and we found solutions.” While Mateo Kovacic takes his place, it has to be seen if can provide a percentage of the defensive midfielder’s value.

Since joining City Rodri, City has lost just 19 games in which he has played and only yielded one game in 2024 in the FA Cup final. The club also lost three of the four league games last season in which he did not feature. In addition, his ability to win the ball and control the midfield with passes is invaluable for the holding English champions. Overall, Manchester City would like to operate seamlessly as they still have some formidable players to cover up, but whether they’d get through without the Spaniard has to be seen.