Manchester City release club statement on Rodri injury | OneFootball

Premier League champions Manchester City have released an official club statement on the injury sustained by Rodri at the weekend.

The Spanish international was replaced after just 21 minutes in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, having sustained a knee injury whilst attacking a Manchester City corner inside the opposition penalty area.

Under pressure from Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, Rodri fell to the floor in clear discomfort and immediately called for urgent medical attention before signalling a need to be replaced, with Mateo Kovacic coming on for the remainder of the contest.

The Spaniard has since been spotted in Spain to ascertain a clear understanding of the injury severity, with the expectation being that he has visited Manchester City’s trusted specialist Dr. Ramon Cugat.

Some reports have already suggested that Manchester City could be without the midfielder for the remainder of the season, in what would be a significant blow to Pep Guardiola’s hopes of competing on all fronts.

Now, the club themselves have issued an official statement to confirm the very latest understanding around Rodri’s injury, and provide a clear picture as to what is going on regarding the player’s next steps and subsequent recovery process.

As per confirmation on the official club website, a statement has read, “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee. The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.”

The statement continues, “The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.

“Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery and the Club will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”

Manchester City have been without Rodri for their opening matches of the ongoing season, and the Spain international only returned relatively recently having been granted an extended period of rest following his European Championship success in the summer.

In his absence, Mateo Kovacic has occupied the deep-lying midfield role, with support from the likes of Rico Lewis inverting from right-back, and Academy talent Nico O’Reilly – most notably appearing in the FA Community Shield against Manchester United.

It remains to be seen whether City deem the situation concerning enough to invest in the role during the January transfer window, or whether Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff feel they have the necessary resources to take on the challenge of Rodri’s absence.