Pep Guardiola warns Rodri’s injury problems could get worse after ACL and meniscus damage

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned that Rodri could sustain further injury concerns later down the line beyond recovering from a major setback.

The Catalan head coach confirmed that his defensive midfield mainstay would be ruled out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, having sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury and meniscus damage against Arsenal last weekend.

Having been replaced through the problem and in clear discomfort, Rodri travelled to Spain for further examination and assessment, where he has since undergone surgery to deal with the major injury to his right knee.

As such, and given the time required to recover from the problem, manager Pep Guardiola has since ruled out the Spain international for the remainder of the ongoing season, but has also indicated that the problems may not stop there.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s trip to face Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, Guardiola spoke at length about the problems that could now face Rodri beyond his major injury blow.

“If we win, yeah, Guardiola responded when asked whether his Manchester City side are now better-equipped to handle the absence of the Spain international midfielder, in terms of personnel and tactical flexibility. “If we don’t win, it’s because we miss Rodri.”

He continued, “There is not one day in the last years that I was not confident [of coping without Rodri].

“Of course, we are stronger with him, stronger with Nathan Ake – who has not been playing since we arrived after the international break, we are stronger with Oscar Bobb, and with all the injuryies, with Kevin [De Bruyne].

“And we know that, but it is what it is! And we don’t want it, but in football it happens, and it’s a pity, because it’s a long injury, and it’s eight or nine months, and after it’s not just in one month you will be ready.”

Pep Guardiola continued by warning of Rodri’s return to action post-injury, “When you have an ACL and you are out for eight or nine months, the year after you have muscular problems, for sure.

“That’s why it’s longer (the recovery). I think Rodri will come back to his best after not just eight or nine months, but it is what it is. As a club, we have magnificent players and we will find a solution. And we will see what happens.”

Manchester City have already won a number of matches without Rodri this season, utilising Mateo Kovacic in the lone defensive midfield role for much of the ongoing campaign in order to issue the Spaniard with an extended rest following the European Championships.

Rico Lewis, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Ilkay Gundogan can also all deputise in the role as part of a double-pivot, however Manchester City could yet turn to the transfer window in order to reinforce their squad with fresh faces in light of Rodri’s injury.

Talks between Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, and sporting director Txiki Begiristain have already begun, however it remains unknown at this stage whether the Premier League champions will deem it necessary to invest significant finances into a player this winter.