There were many dramatic and emotional developments in the draw between Man City and Arsenal last weekend, one of which was the moment Rodri lay in a painful thigh hug after a collision with Thomas Partey.
After the match, although Man City has not made an official announcement, it is likely that the 28-year-old midfielder has suffered an ACL injury. This is a type of injury that if sustained can require 9-12 months of leave. In addition, when he returns, his form may never be the same.
Arsenal traveled to the Etihad Stadium in the mindset of a challenger to the defending champions. However, the away team barely caused any danger in the early stages of the match. The "Gunners" even conceded first. To have that game, Man City still have to rely on the familiar rebound from the bottom of the midfield, which is Rodri.
Before the Super Sunday match last weekend, Rodri had only had 1 defeat in 18 months at both club and national team level. The role of the Spanish midfielder is even more important than conductor Kevin De Bruyne. Man City without De Bruyne can still confidently win, but without Rodri, that is not certain.
After Rodri left the pitch due to injury, Arsenal gradually regained control of the game and took a 2-1 lead, before having to cluster their defenses due to Leandro Trossard's red card. Man City then pressed the pitch with a ball possession rate of up to 97% and suffocated their opponents. However, when the way into the penalty area is completely blocked, they can only find opportunities from the second-line plays.
When Man City won the Champions League for the first time, also from a shot from a comeback, Rodri scored the only goal in the final against Inter. In the match last weekend, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and many other stars of the home team could not have such a thunderous shot. If Rodri had been on the pitch, as he has done many times, Man City could have made a comeback in the second half.
Last season, De Bruyne was out for 4 months due to injury, but only when Rodri was absent did Man City taste defeat, even 2 consecutive matches in the League Cup and Premier League. In the context of Arsenal getting stronger and Liverpool still stable under the hands of Arne Slot, it is unknown that the crisis period has begun to hit Man City after the recent Super Sunday match.
Last season, Man City's only win without Rodri was against rookie Luton Town. The remaining 3 matches without the Spanish star, the reigning Premier League champions have all lost. At the start of this season, in the first 3 matches, without Rodri, Man City still won. That result may give many fans of the team a sense of urgency with Rodri gone. However, this may be a mistake.
This season, Man City welcomed the return of Ilkay Gundogan. The concern about the lack of a star covering the midfield has temporarily subsided. The first important match ended in a draw. The answer to how important Rodri is, Man City fans can know in the near future.
