Pep Guardiola Confirms Rodri Out for “Long, Long Time” After Knee Injury in Arsenal Clash

Manchester City Midfielder Faces Extended Spell on Sidelines as Surgery Looms

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City midfielder Rodri could be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a knee injury during the club’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League. The 28-year-old limped off at half-time following a collision with Thomas Partey, and early reports suggest the midfielder could miss the rest of the season.

While Guardiola has not yet provided a definitive timeline for Rodri’s return, he confirmed the Spanish international will require surgery. “He’ll be out for a long time, a while,” said Guardiola after Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Watford in the Carabao Cup. “Unfortunately, he was injured, and right now we’re waiting for the doctors to know exactly what, definitely, he has and the type of surgery he needs.”

Rodri, who has been a pivotal figure for Manchester City since joining in 2019, has returned to Spain to consult a specialist. The midfielder’s absence is a significant blow to the team, especially considering City have not lost any of the last 48 Premier League games in which he has played.

Despite the setback, Guardiola remains optimistic about the club’s chances moving forward. “Rodri is irreplaceable… but my duty is to find a solution, to be competitive like we have been for many years,” he said.

With City aiming for their fifth consecutive Premier League title and facing an intensified schedule due to the new UEFA Champions League format, Guardiola stressed the need to manage his squad carefully. He hinted at focusing less on the domestic cups, stating, “We are not going to waste energy [on the League Cup]. We never throw a competition, but the Premier League and Champions League are the priority.”

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Manchester City currently sit atop the Premier League table, just one point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, and will next face Newcastle United before traveling to Slovakia for their Champions League fixture against Slovan Bratislava.

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