According to ESPN, defensive midfielder Rodri will need surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee following a seemingly harmless collision with Arsenal's Thomas Partey. The incident took place in the 20th minute of the match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad.
Rodri's painful reaction before leaving the pitch hinted at bad news to come. Pep Guardiola admitted after the match that Rodri is a very strong player, suggesting that the Spanish midfielder would not leave the pitch unless he suffered a very serious injury.
The bad news for Rodri after scans in Spain is a blow for City, with the loss of striker Erling Haaland arguably the bigger issue for Guardiola to deal with.
Earlier this year, Guardiola made it clear that the Citizens were heavily reliant on the 28-year-old. "He's an unbelievable player. He's the best midfielder in the world by far. Because he can do everything.
"It's the pace he has, especially his character when things are not going well. He goes forward to get into the box, drops back, the ability to play short and long balls. He's always ready," said Guardiola.
Rodri is irreplaceable at the Etihad and the numbers show it, so his absence is a major headache for Guardiola. City have lost just one game in 2024 with Rodri in the team, the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United at Wembley last season. And the Citizens' Premier League record is even more impressive with Rodri in the side.
In the 21 Premier League games that Rodri has missed since 2019, Man City have lost seven (33%). Meanwhile, Rodri has lost just 19 of his 174 Premier League appearances, a rate of 11%.
Overall, Rodri is the best player in the world in his position. The Spanish midfielder led the Premier League last season in touches (4,124), successful passes (3,359), progressive passes (521), runs (2,629) and distance covered (11,662m).
Rodri also ranks second in ball recoveries with 235, two behind Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes. The 28-year-old also leads City in tackles (70), tackles won (43), duels won (174) and aerial duels won (55).
The clash with Arsenal was Rodri's 52nd consecutive Premier League appearance for City without a defeat, a run that stretches back to a defeat to Tottenham in February 2023. But when he missed two Premier League games through suspension last season, City lost both - to Newcastle and Wolves.
Had it not been for John Stones' dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal, City would have lost again without Rodri. With City travelling to Newcastle again this weekend, the risk of another defeat is very real.
