LManchester City’s Spanish international midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season with a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee, Spanish media reported on Monday.
According to ESPN’s correspondent in Spain and Spanish sports daily Marca, tests carried out on the 28-year-old on Monday confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Rodri was injured during Sunday’s English championship match between City and Arsenal (2-2). In great pain and holding his knee, he had to give up his place after twenty minutes of play.
Losing Rodri this season would be a blow to the Manchester club as they seek a fifth consecutive Premier League title and a second Champions League, after the one they won in 2023.
The former Atletico Madrid player has been touted as a Ballon d’Or winner this year due to his instrumental role in City’s last league title win and Spain’s success at Euro 2024.
“Rodri is strong. If he leaves the pitch on that play, it’s because he felt something, otherwise Rodri would have stayed,” City manager Pep Guardiola said after the Arsenal game. “He’s the best defensive midfielder in the world, he’s a potential Ballon d’Or winner. I’d love for him to win (the Ballon d’Or).”
