Rodri Faces Possible Season-Ending ACL Injury, Reports Say
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri may miss the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to reports from Spain on Monday. The 28-year-old left the field limping during City's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, clutching his right knee.
Both ESPN and Spanish sports daily Marca reported that tests conducted on Monday confirmed an ACL tear. Losing Rodri would be a significant setback for City as they aim for a fifth consecutive Premier League title and seek to reclaim the Champions League. The former Atletico Madrid player has lost only one of his last 84 matches for club and country.
He has been considered a potential Ballon d'Or contender this year due to his key contributions to City's latest Premier League victory and Spain's triumph at Euro 2024.
"Rodri is strong. He left the pitch because he felt something; otherwise, he would have stayed," City manager Pep Guardiola remarked after the Arsenal match. "He's the best holding midfielder in the world and a potential Ballon d'Or winner. I would love for him to win it."