Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, manager Pep Guardiola announced on Friday.
“He underwent surgery this morning for an ACL tear and some meniscus damage,” Guardiola stated. “He’ll be back for next season, but this one is over.”
The Spanish international sustained the injury during the first half of last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Rodri’s absence is a significant setback for City as they pursue a fifth consecutive Premier League title and aim to reclaim the Champions League trophy.
Ahead of the team’s upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle, Guardiola emphasized Rodri’s importance to the squad.
“It’s going to be months without a key player, and everyone knows that,” he said, though he remained optimistic.
“There hasn’t been a day in recent years when I haven’t felt confident.
“Of course, we’re stronger with him, and we’re stronger with Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb, even with the injuries to Kevin (De Bruyne). But it is what it is,” Guardiola added.
