Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that midfielder Rodri will miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury. Rodri, who also has meniscus damage, sustained the injury in a match against Arsenal. Guardiola expressed disappointment at the news, stating that the team will have to find a way to cope without their key player.
The absence of Rodri will be a significant blow to City’s chances of winning a fifth consecutive English Premier League title. The midfielder’s importance to the team was evident last season, with City losing four of nine games without him. Guardiola also acknowledged that it could take up to eight or nine months for Rodri to return to peak form after his recovery.
The injury comes at a time when top players are expressing concerns about the increasing demands of the football calendar. With new competitions like the expanded Champions League and the revamped Club World Cup, players are facing more matches and a higher risk of injuries. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has also warned about the potential for more injuries to occur due to the crowded schedule.
As City prepares to face Newcastle without Rodri and the injured Kevin De Bruyne, Guardiola emphasized the importance of finding a collective team effort to compensate for the absence of key players. Despite the challenges ahead, Guardiola remains optimistic about the team’s ability to adapt and continue their pursuit of success in the season ahead.
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