Manchester City have confirmed on their official website that Rodri has suffered a hamstring injury during their 5-1 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night. In the post-match press conference (via mancity.com), the Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola provided an update on the Spanish midfielder’s injury and said, “We do not yet (know what injury is).
“Tomorrow (Wednesday), we will know.
“Hopefully, it will be ten days if it’s not broken. If so, then three weeks.
“It looks like his hamstring.”
Rodri’s Majestic Start To His Life At Manchester
This latest development will be a bitter pill to swallow for the champions of England as Rodri has been one of the most influential members of Guardiola’s first-team this season. Since sealing a move from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, the Madrid-born prospect has put in some commanding displays for Man City in the Premier League.
The ex-Villareal sensation has featured in 13 matches for the Citizens this term, scoring one goal while averaging 1.2 key passes per match in all competitions. On the defensive end, Rodri has made an average of 2.4 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per game for Man City on all fronts (stats via whoscored).
The 23-year-old has also earned ten international caps for the Spanish national side but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his homeland.
What Does The Spanish Midfielder Offer On The Pitch?
Rodri is a moderately paced midfielder who has a good football IQ. He can read the game well and distribute the ball accurately while operating as a holding midfielder. The Spaniard is also not afraid of doing the dirty defensive work at the centre of the park and can make some well-timed interceptions for his team.
Rodri Suffers Hamstring Injury: Big Blow For The Mancunian Giants?
There is no doubt that Man City has suffered another huge injury blow as Rodri is set to be out of action for at least ten days. However, Guardiola should still have enough depth in his squad to cope with his absence. With two home matches coming up against Aston Villa and Southampton in the English top-flight, the Citizens should find life a bit easy if the likes of John Stones and Fernandinho can step up in Rodri’s absence.
However, the Citizens cannot afford to lose any more of their defenders to injury or suspension as that could derail their hopes of retaining the Premier League crown.
