There was no shortage of talking points to come out of Manchester City’s 2-all draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. At times, the game was a spiteful affair, with clashes between the players a common occurrence throughout the game. Coming out of the game, Manchester City has picked up a major injury concern. Rodri had to be substituted after 21 minutes due to a knee injury.
Rodri went down after a coming together with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey at a Manchester City corner. It must be said that the challenge didn’t appear to have any malice in it. The concern for City was that Rodri appeared to jar his knee when landing. After receiving treatment, City’s midfield general was replaced by Mateo Kovacic. It was a blow for Manchester City as Arsenal would equalise through Riccardo Calafiori’s strike only a minute after Rodri was substituted.
Speaking after the game Pep Guardiola was unsure of the severity of Rodri’s injury. He said that if Rodri could’ve continued he would have done so. Guardiola told the media post game: “I don’t know yet. I didn’t ask the doctors. He is strong, he leaves the pitch and his action is he felt something otherwise he would stay there. He is the best holding midfielder in the world and potentially a Ballon D’Or winner, I would love it [if he won]. These are the type of games, against Arsenal, and it’s like that. We have to handle it and in many things we did it.”
Manchester City will be hoping the injury suffered by Rodri isn’t serious. He is the world champions most important player and has a crucial role to play this season. An update on his condition may emerge this week when City return to training after yesterday’s enthralling encounter.
