Life without Rodri begins for Manchester City at St. James Park | OneFootball

Manchester City will take on Newcastle United at St. James Park in Premier League action tomorrow. The game is tomorrow’s early kickoff as Pep Guardiola’s side will aim to continue their unbeaten start to the new campaign. Tomorrow’s game will also see the world champions begin life without Rodri. City’s midfield general suffered a serious knee injury during their 2-all draw with Arsenal last weekend. How Pep Guardiola covers the loss of City’s most important player will be one storyline to watch for starting tomorrow at St. James Park.

A new report indicates that Rodri is set for surgery on his knee injury on Friday. Journalist Isabel Pacheco has reported on X will undergo surgery on his injured right knee today. Furthermore, Pacheco reports that Rodri has chosen to have surgery in Madrid. His operation will be performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes as per Pacheco’s report.

With Rodri set to have surgery on his injured right knee Manchester City will begin life without their midfield general tomorrow. They will face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side at St. James Park. The Magpies sit 6th in the Premier League table heading into this weekend’s match. Eddie Howe’s side are generally hard to beat in front of their passionate home support. The game looms as the ideal test for Manchester City to tackle head-on without their midfield general.

READ MORE: Manchester City confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.

How Pep Guardiola covers the loss of Rodri will be a story to watch for tomorrow. It would appear that Mateo Kovacic may be the man for the job based on his start to the season. Kovacic has slotted into Rodri’s role well so far this season and should start tomorrow’s match. There is also the possibility that Rico Lewis, Ilkay Gundogan or Matheus Nunes start to provide more midfield support for the Croatian international. Whoever Pep Guardiola decides to start against Newcastle tomorrow will have a fight on their hands. Newcastle’s midfield pairing of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be up for the midfield battle at St. James Park. It may be a crucial battle that could well decide tomorrow’s match.

Manchester City begin life without Rodri at St. James Park against Newcastle United. Pep Guardiola will be eager to see his side perform in a hostile environment against a quality opponent without their most important player. It may take time for City to adjust to the loss of their most important player. But if they can continue their unbeaten start to the new campaign with Rodri it will give the Manchester City squad confidence for what lies ahead as Rodri recovers from a serious injury.