Rodri will not play football again this year. © ANSA / PETER POWELL

Guardiola confirms: Season over for Rodri

Manchester City will have to do without Rodri for the rest of the season, as coach Pep Guardiola confirmed.

September 27, 2024

From: dpa

The Spanish European football champion suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in his right knee last weekend and underwent surgery on Friday morning. This was confirmed by his coach Pep Guardiola. "Unfortunately, the worst suspicions have been confirmed," said the coach. "He will be back here next season."

Man City has no comparable player, stressed Guardiola, for whom Rodri's absence is a serious setback, and appealed to his team. "But the others can together replace what Rodri has given us since his arrival. We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play many games without this important player for us."

The defender is one of the most important players for England. © ANSA / PETER POWELL

Rodri was injured last Sunday in the Premier League top match between the defending champions and Arsenal FC (2:2). After just 20 minutes, the Spaniard limped off the pitch and had to be substituted. He then underwent extensive examinations in his home country, which brought the bitter certainty for the defending champions and league leaders.

Replacement not excluded

Guardiola did not rule out the possibility of City signing a replacement for the defensive midfielder. "We will discuss it. We will see what is possible. We have time to think," said the coach. "If we don't win, it will be Rodri's fault. (...) We don't like it, but that's football."

Rodri, who recently complained in the media about the high workload in football and even suggested a players' strike, has been one of the defending champions' absolute top performers since his move from Atlético Madrid around five years ago. Before the 6th Premier League matchday and the match against Newcastle United, Man City are at the top of the table with four wins and one draw.