2 months ago
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MANCHESTER CITY fear Rodri could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The Spain midfielder last night flew to Barcelona for further tests with Pep Guardiola’s favoured specialist, Dr Ramon Cugat.
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ReutersBut reports in his homeland say indications are the 28-year-old ruptured a cruciate ligament in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
If the worst news is confirmed, the likelihood is the Ballon d’Or contender will not feature again for months in a huge blow to Guardiola’s defending Premier League champions.
Rodri looked in some distress following a tussle with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey midway through the first half.
He had lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Mateo Kovacic at the Etihad.
But the fact Rodri — who has played just 66 Prem minutes this term — walked off led to hopes it may not be as serious as first feared.
However, initial scans yesterday were not good and City are waiting for Cugat to give his verdict.
Ironically, Rodri spoke out last week about the possibility of players going on strike over the increased number of matches they are being asked to play.
He came off at half-time in Spain’s Euro 2024 final triumph over England in July with a hamstring injury and missed the start of the Prem season.
RexThe former Atletico Madrid star has played a huge part in City’s recent success and has become their own ‘Invincible’.
It was February 2023 when they last lost a Prem game with the midfield linchpin in their side.
And his form for club and country mean he is second favourite behind Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to lift the coveted Ballon d’Or next month.
Ilkay Gundogan could play in Rodri’s holding role, while Kovacic, Bernardo Silva and John Stones are other options.
City 19-year-olds Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly have also spent time learning the role, which boss Guardiola considers to be so vital.
But City, who host Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, could be forced into the transfer market in January.
They weighed up a move for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes in the summer but were put off by the £100million asking price.
Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
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