MANCHESTER CITY have released a statement providing an injury update on Rodri after the star travelled to Spain to see a specialist.
Rodri was left in agony when he collapsed during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
The midfielder clutched his leg after a light tussle with Thomas Partey.
And he was forced to leave the field with the help of several medics.
Pep Guardiola left nobody in doubt over the severity of Rodri’s injury by hailing him as a “strong” player who would never come off willingly.
While reports suggested the Euros winner had torn his ACL, potentially ending his campaign.
Rodri immediately flew to Barcelona to see a knee specialist.
And following initial exams, City confirmed that Rodri has indeed suffered ligament damage to the joint.
But they refused to say whether it was an ACL injury, which would deal a major blow to their title hopes.
A statement from the champions, which did not put a time scale on Rodri’s absence, read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.
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“The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
“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 mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”
Responding to the latest news, manager Guardiola said: “One doctor said it’s a big, big injury, the other said not as much so we’ll see.
“Now it’s important to support him. Safe recovery, I would say not even a speedy recovery. Safe recovery for his future, for his career…”
It now remains to be seen whether Rodri’s injury is a serious one, with ACL suffers out for anywhere up to a whole year.
Guardiola has no natural replacement in his squad, with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan the only real options.
But if he is out for the season, boffins reckon City will LOSE their title after four wins on the bounce.
According to Opta, City have only lost 11 per cent of their games with Rodri in the team since his 2018 arrival.
That builds up to an impressive return of 2.36 points per game.
But when Rodri hasn’t been involved, City’s loss rate climbs to 24 per cent.
Their points per game ratio also falls to 2.04.
And based on the above, it’s been calculated that City will finish on 80 points this season.
The last time a team won the title with that number was Manchester United in the 2010/11 term.
And while in another campaign that could potentially be enough for five titles in a row, Arsenal’s recent finishes make that unlikely.
Two seasons ago the Gunners finished on 84 points.
While last term they picked up an impressive 89 points.
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And if Mikel Arteta emulates that number, he is likely to see Arsenal clinch their first title since the Invincibles
But should Rodri recover quickly, City may yet end on 91 points that secured them their fourth league trophy last term.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
