Rodri’s injury is now a new challenge for Manchester City to overcome

Today has seen Manchester City receive the crushing news that Rodri is set to miss a large chunk, if not the remainder of the 24/25 season. It is, without a doubt, a massive blow for Pep Guardiola’s side. But Rodri’s injury is now a new challenge for Manchester City to overcome. It is a road they have travelled before in previous seasons.

Moises Llorens broke the news for ESPN that Rodri has likely ruptured his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) yesterday at the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish international went down clutching his knee after a coming together with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in the early stages of City’s 2-all draw with Arsenal. Rodri’s injury is a cruel blow for Manchester City and City’s midfield general.

But now it is a new challenge for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola to overcome. The champions faced a similar set of circumstances last season. Kevin De Bruyne went down with a serious hamstring injury during City’s 3-nil win over Burnley on the opening day of the 23/24 season. De Bruyne subsequently missed 6 months of last season. During that time the Manchester City players embraced the challenge posed by De Bruyne’s absence. They will now have to do the same in Rodri’s absence.

Pep Guardiola does have options to potentially step into Rodri’s role. Mateo Kovacic has shown this season he is capable of playing the role that Rodri excels in. Ilkay Gundogan can also play the role. Matheus Nunes may also get an opportunity to impress. There are also left-field options, such as John Stones or Josko Gvardiol, who could step into midfield. None of those players provide what Rodri does in midfield. No midfielder in world football does. But Pep Guardiola does have options available to cover for the loss of City’s most important player. The challenge is there for City’s midfield brigade to step up in Rodri’s absence.

Rodri’s injury is a blow to Manchester City. That fact cannot be disputed. But his absence is now a new challenge for the world champions to overcome. Every season presents one and now Manchester City are facing a new challenge. But based on the feats City have performed in recent seasons only a fool would bet against them overcoming Rodri’s long term absence.