Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the length of Rodri’s expected lay-off after the midfielder sustained a serious knee injury against Arsenal on Sunday.Â
City’s metronome was forced off 21 minutes into Sunday’s tempestuous 2-2 draw with the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri fell into a heap clutching his right knee after falling during a run alongside Thomas Partey to meet a corner and was helped off the pitch by medical staff.
Numerous reports in recent days have claimed that the 28-year-old is set to miss the remainder of the season after initial tests uncovered the severity of the injury ahead of a further round of examinations.Â
However, speaking ahead of City’s Carabao Cup clash against Watford, Guardiola was less definitive and claimed that the Spaniard will be out for a ‘little while’.
Pep Guardiola provided an update on Rodri’s expected time on the sidelines following his knee injury
The 28-year-old writhed in pain after a coming together with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey on Sunday
Numerous reports have claimed that the midfielder could miss the remainder of the season
‘When we know it, the club or myself, or the spokesman of the club will announce it.’ He told Sky Sports.Â
When asked if he expected Rodri to be out for a ‘little while’, Guardiola replied: ‘Yes.’
Rodri was pictured entering a specialist hospital clinic in Barcelona on Tuesday where he was due to visit Dr Ramon Cugat.
Any prolonged absence would be a severe blow to City’s hopes of winning the title for a record fifth season in succession.
Guardiola’s side have not lost any of the last 48 Premier League games in which he has featured.
His only defeat last term in any competition was the FA Cup final loss to Manchester United in May.
He bounced back from that setback to play a key part in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 and is one of the leading contenders to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Rodri had endured a frustrating start to the current campaign, however, missing City’s first four games, including the Community Shield, with a hamstring injury. The Arsenal clash at the Etihad Stadium had been his first start.
Rodri was spotted arriving at hospital in Barcelona for a consultation on a knee injury on Tuesday
He was forced off after twisting his knee and going down following minor contact with Thomas Partey and has since travelled to Barcelona to be assessed.
Rodri joined City in 2019 from Atletico Madrid and has made 260 appearances in all competitions, helping the club to four league titles as well as the Champions League in 2023.
