During Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal, it seemed like Rodri was in for a rough game.
Mere seconds into the contest, Kai Havertz barged into the City midfielder to possibly send a message to the hosts that they were not afraid of getting their hands dirty.
On a number of instances during the game, Rodri was fouled by Arsenal.
Whether that was a tactic or just a coincidence remains the question.
Perhaps Arsenal intended to ensure that Manchester City’s primary orchestrator was not allowed to dictate the game.
Two seasons ago, the Gunners were demolished 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola shares honest verdict on whether Arsenal tried to target Rodri
On Sunday, Mikel Arteta possibly instructed his players not to let the Premier League champions impose themselves on the game.
If that was indeed the message, the Arsenal players certainly executed it to perfection.
It was confirmed by Manchester City’s official website on Wednesday that while a final assessment is yet to be reached, Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
Pep Guardiola confirmed Rodri’s injury status by claiming that he is set to be ruled out for a “long time” after City’s 2-1 win against Watford in the Carabao Cup.
The £62.5 million man’s tearful reaction to his injury suggested it was serious from the get-go.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was quizzed about whether he felt the Arsenal players targeted Rodri before he sustained his injury.
Guardiola responded via HaytersTV: “No.”
“I didn’t speak with him. Hopefully not, he thinks the same as me.”
Rodri suffered a non-contact injury against Arsenal
Ultimately, Rodri suffered a non-contact injury against Arsenal, which is perhaps why Manchester City supporters have even more of a reason to be worried after he fell to the floor in agony.
If the Spaniard was brutally fouled and he was subsequently injured, it would make much more sense to theorise in such a manner.
However, that was not the case on Sunday.
It is difficult to even gauge that Rodri’s injury stemmed from fatigue.
Perhaps it was a mere case of the midfield maestro being unfortunate.
Rodri will be gutted not to be playing a part for City for much of the season as he must understand how important he is to his team.
