Manchester City midfielder Rodri faces long layoff with serious knee injury

Due to a serious knee injury he sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss a significant portion of the season.

At the Etihad Stadium, the 28-year-old Spanish international had to leave the game after just 21 minutes.

Rodri’s injury occurred when he stumbled and fell while making a front-post run at a corner, clutching his right knee in pain.

Mateo Kovacic quickly replaced him, and tests revealed the severity of the injury.

Although an official timeline for his recovery has not been announced, sources close to the player suggest Rodri may be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.

This blow comes as Rodri had just returned to action after a hamstring injury sustained during Spain’s European Championship victory over England.

Manager Pep Guardiola eased the midfielder back into action, making his first start of the season against Arsenal.

Rodri’s injury compounds concerns over player workload, an issue he recently addressed, stating that professional players are “close” to going on strike due to the increasing number of matches in the football calendar.

A recent FIFPro report on player welfare echoed Rodri’s concerns, concluding that the 2024-25 season will be the “worst” in terms of workload.

Rodri emphasized that players can only perform at their highest level for 40–50 games, citing the physical toll of excessive matches.

Rodri’s absence will put Manchester City’s depth to the test, as the midfielder is essential to the team’s success.