Man City's Rodri out for season after tearing ACL, Guardiola confirms
Rodri underwent surgery for the injury earlier on Friday, Guardiola said.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday in a big blow to his team's quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
"Surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus (cartilage), next season he will be here. This season is over," Guardiola told reporters. "Unfortunately we got the worst but these things happen. We will be there to support him in his recovery step-by-step."
The Spaniard injured his right knee during the team's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
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Guardiola's team top the table on 13 points ahead of Saturday's clash at Newcastle United.
The injury is a cruel twist, coming days after the 28-year-old Rodri warned of strike action by players over their increasing workload.
Rodri is considered a favourite to win the Ballon d'Or after leading City to an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League before being named Euro 2024 player of the tournament as Spain clinched the title.
"What he gives us, we don't have a similar player. But the others can all together replace what Rodri has given since his arrival to us. We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us," Guardiola added.
Rodri appeared to jam his knee in the 21st minute at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and looked in considerable pain while he was treated on the pitch before limping off.
