We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Rodri 'irreplaceable' but Guardiola confident Man City will still compete

Rodri 'irreplaceable' but Guardiola confident Man City will still compete

SPORTS 24.09.2024
Rodri 'irreplaceable' but Guardiola confident Man City will still compete
Rodri 'irreplaceable' but Guardiola confident Man City will still compete / Photo: © AFP

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he had the responsibility to find a way of coping without key midfielder Rodri, who could miss the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury.

Change text size:

The Spaniard limped off during City's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee.

"Rodri will be out for a long time, a while. There are some opinions that it will be less than we expect, but unfortunately he was injured and right now we're waiting for the final phone calls from him and the doctors to know exactly what he has and the type of surgery he has to get," Guardiola said after City's 2-1 win over Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Guardiola accepted the absence is a huge blow, but believes a City side that have won a record four consecutive Premier League titles can remain competitive.

"We will have a good season, I trust a lot in my players. I have the duty to find a solution," he added.

"Rodri is irreplaceable. When a team doesn't play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time of course it is a big blow but my duty is to find a solution so that we remain competitive as we have been for many years.

"When one player is irreplaceable you have to do it as a team and this is going to happen."

Rodri has been touted as a potential Ballon d'Or winner this year after his influential role in City's record fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain's success at Euro 2024.

The former Atletico Madrid player has lost just one of his last 84 games for club and country.

F.Morgan--TNT

Featured

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Change text size: