Devastating News for Pep Guardiola from Rodri!
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, faces a major setback as star midfielder Rodri is ruled out for the season after sustaining an injury during their 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League’s fifth round.
The Manchester City-Arsenal match ended 2-2, with the hosts maintaining their lead at the top with 13 points, while Arsenal sits in fourth with 11 points. The thrilling match left City with bad news, as Rodri, one of the team’s key players, had to leave the field due to injury.
Injury in a Non-Contact Situation
In the 16th minute, Rodri went down off the ball and, after receiving treatment on the pitch, was substituted out in the 21st minute for Mateo Kovacic. The 28-year-old had played three matches this season, including one in the Champions League and two in the Premier League.
Out for the Season
According to ESPN, tests have confirmed that Rodri suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The 28-year-old is now set to miss the rest of the season, following further tests that confirmed the severity of his injury. A Ballon d’Or nominee, Rodri had only managed to play 66 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Rodri’s Outcry Over the Packed Match Schedule
Recently, Rodri expressed his concerns about the intense match schedules in modern football, even suggesting that players should consider striking. He voiced his frustration over the increasing number of matches, revealing that the issue of player fatigue is a frequent topic of discussion in dressing rooms. Rodri emphasized that footballers are being treated as mere “commodities,” and the lack of rest has become a serious concern.
