Manchester City have been dealt a serious blow to their hopes of winning major silverware after an injury update has emerged about Rodri as he was taken off during his side’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
It has been reported that tests have taken place that have revealed that the City midfielder has suffered a serious injury and an official timeline about his latest setback will emerge after further examinations take place in Spain — according to a report by The Athletic journalists David Ornstein and Pol Ballus.
However, the report has claimed that sources close to Rodri have suggested that he could be sidelined for the entirety of the season.
Journalist Moises Laurens has also stated in a report for ESPN that the £62.5 million man has suffered an ACL injury — ruling him out of the campaign.
In April, Phil Foden hailed Rodri as City’s “most important player” — emphasising just how key is to the Premier League champions.
But Pep Guardiola’s side will now have to find alternatives in place who could deputise in the Spaniard’s prolonged absence.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic came on for Rodri during City’s latest outing against Arsenal and when he was unavailable during the early part of the campaign, the former was his side’s starting defensive midfielder.
Kovacic looks to have gained a better understanding of how to operate as a number six and Pep Guardiola may earmark him as a starter in the role going forward.
The Croatian could have plenty of pressure on his shoulders if he is tasked to replace Rodri in the long run this season.
However, the former Chelsea technician could also consider such an opportunity one where he could cement his status as a starter at City and one of their most important players.
Ilkay Gundogan
Considering Ilkay Gundogan replaced the injured Fernandinho during the Sky Blues’ title-winning season in 2019, he could be drafted to do so once again as a makeshift holding midfielder now.
In August, Pep Guardiola said via Manchester City’s official website that the German is capable of playing as a holding midfielder.
One of Gundogan’s standout showings as a number six emerged during his final season at the club before his return this summer where he scored a brace in City’s 2-1 win against Leeds United.
However, the question will be whether the former Barcelona maestro will be able to play in such a physically-demanding position at 33 years of age.
John Stones
While John Stones has rarely ever played as a lone defensive midfielder during his time at the Etihad Stadium, he has played in a deep-lying role in the middle of the park from centre-back and right-back.
If Stones is tasked to play in such a position without inverting into midfield, the question will be whether he can manage to be equally effective.
Furthermore, the Englishman’s unreliable injury record means such a physically-taxing role could take a toll on his fitness.
Only time will tell whether Stones is set for a spell as an out-and-out number six.
