How long will Rodri be out? City are missing Spanish star, but Pep Guardiola finds 'copy and paste' solution to boost title race

Rodri will be out for the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament that he suffered against Arsenal.

Manchester City superstar He will miss eight to nine months of action following checks on his knee following a 2-2 draw in September.

It was a hard blow for pep guardiola His team's Premier League title hopes suffered a major blow at the start of the season.

But City remain unbeaten since Rodri's injury, winning three and drawing one game over the last month.

And Guardiola may have found a solution in his absence…

Rodri injury: What happened?

Rodri He was substituted in the 21st minute of the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad after planting his foot in an awkward position.

As he went to attack a corner, he hit his right leg on the ground and instantly fell, clutching his knee.

He paced around the field for a few seconds before both groups of players came to his aid and doctors examined him.

The midfielder was able to get up and limp away at the time but after the match it was confirmed that he was suffering from a serious ligament injury.

Rodri injury: What has been said?

A few days after the incident, Man City released a statement revealing what happened.

It said: “city ​​of manchester FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered an injury to the ligaments in his right knee.

“The injury occurred during the first half of this weekend's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.

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“The midfielder traveled to Spain to consult a specialist this week, after initial tests in Manchester.

“Evaluation continues to determine the full extent of the injury and the expected prognosis.

“Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery.”

And after those evaluations, Rodri and Manchester City received the worst possible news…

At a press conference, Guardiola admitted: “This season is over. It's the worst news, but it is what it is.

“We don't have a similar player, but all the players together can replace Rodri. We have to do it as a team and find a way.”

Guardiola was then asked if his team could manage without Rodri.

He said: “If we don't win it's because we miss Rodri. We are stronger with him, but he will be out for eight to nine months.”

“He had surgery this morning, anterior cruciate ligament and some meniscus. Next season he will be here.”

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Rodri injury: What is Manchester City's solution?

Matthew Kovacic He seems to be the right man to take on Rodri's role.

In Manchester City's last game before the international break, the Croatian scored twice in a 3-2 win over Fulham.

He played in the deepest position as the Spaniard usually does and stood out, and Guardiola praised him after the game.

The City manager said: “He (Kovacic) is not a top scorer.

“But maybe he saw how many goals Rodri had scored in that position and he copied and pasted. He scored two fantastic goals.”

Guardiola added: “It was four against five (defenders). When they defended with five, there was a free man on the edge of the area: Kovacic.

“The two goals were because in that position they can't defend him.

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“Kovacic was really important. Now the rivals know that they can't leave him alone or that he can score a goal.”

Rodri has been instrumental to City's success in recent seasons, particularly in their treble campaign in 2022/23.

He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan and produced consistent and dominant displays in midfield.

If Kovacic can replicate that scoring gene in decisive moments and control the game in a deeper role, then Man City may be fine.

However, they did not lose a single Premier League match that Rodri played in last season, and all three of their defeats came without him.

So his hopes of getting another title remain up in the air.