The challenge on Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s hands will be to find an in-house replacement for the injured Rodri.
Until the January transfer window is in fruition, City have no choice but to rely on the options in their squad to make up for the Spaniard’s long-term absence.
Apart from striker and at the base of midfield, Pep Guardiola has two players to choose from in every position.
However, in the number six position, Rodri was the club’s only option and another summer flew by where they failed to sign a backup for him.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Neville names Man City player who should replace injured Rodri
During Manchester City’s 2-1 win against Watford in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup, youngster Nico O’Reilly was deployed at the base of midfield.
The 19-year-old was eventually replaced by Jacob Wright.
However, it would be a massive risk for Pep Guardiola to play either O’Reilly or Wright in important fixtures.
The youthful pair would have a massive responsibility on their hands to replace the 28-year-old.
Gary Neville has suggested that Bernardo Silva could play in defensive midfield now.
Neville said about the £43 million man on The Overlap’s Stick To Football: “Bernardo [Silva] will get in before Phil Foden. I don’t think he [Pep Guardiola will play Mateo Kovacic]. I don’t think he’ll see Kovacic just there.”
“I do think he’ll do that but I do think he’ll end up doing something quite different with it. I mean, he’s a good player, of course, he’s a good player.”
Seems unlikely Bernardo Silva will play in the Rodri role
Considering Bernardo has rarely ever played as a holding midfielder, it seems unlikely that he will be tasked to do so to replace Rodri.
Pep Guardiola has previously trusted Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan to do so.
Perhaps the Portuguese international could play alongside either Kovacic or Gundogan in a double pivot.
But it would be a surprise to see the 30-year-old be trusted as City’s defensive midfielder going forward.
Gary Neville perhaps makes such an assumption due to the former AS Monaco technician being trusted to play across a variety of roles by Pep Guardiola.
