RODRI has arrived in Barcelona for tests that could confirm he’ll miss the rest of the season.
Manchester City fear their star midfielder tore a cruciate ligament against Arsenal on Sunday.
An initial exam the following day indicated his knee injury was worse than hoped.
Now reports in Spain say the anchorman is preparing for a complete assessment in his home country.
Rodri, 28, was seen walking out gingerly at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
He appeared to have a slight limp but there was no sign of a crutch or any protective wear.
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The Spaniard, who looked relaxed, wore black tracksuit bottoms and a white top with the hood up as he got into a waiting vehicle.
Journalist Victor Navarro said Rodri was with Etihad doctor Ed Mauri and would meet Dr Ramon Cugat – dubbed the “Messi of medicine”.
The famed orthopaedic specialist is City’s expert of choice for many injuries.
Rodri collapsed dramatically just EIGHT SECONDS into Sunday’s 2-2 home Premier League draw after colliding with Gunners’ attacker Kai Havertz.
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But it was another freak collision, with midfield counterpart Thomas Partey, that forced the Euro 2024 winner out of the game midway through the first half.
And it’s that knee problem that City are sweating on.
John Stones’ last-gasp leveller against ten-man Arsenal put Pep Guardiola’s men top, one point above Liverpool and Aston Villa.
But Rodri is that rare thing among the champions’ bulging squad – a player almost impossible to adequately replace.
Arsenal ratings vs Man City
TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 9
Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol.
RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.
GABRIEL – 9
Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.
SUBS
WHITE – 7
(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.
KIWIOR – 6
(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.
JESUS – 6
(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes
LEWIS SKELLY – 6
(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
