Manchester City suffered a potentially massive blow when they lost Rodri to an apparent knee injury in the 20th minute of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.
Erling Haaland’s 100th City goal put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead at the Etihad Stadium in this weekend’s Premier League clash.
But key midfielder Rodri, making his first league start of the season, was soon on the turf after going down in the penalty area.
Rodri went down under pressure from Thomas Partey, although records showed the Arsenal man was not to blame.
City medical staff treated Rodri’s right knee before the Spain international, who has struggled with a hectic fixture schedule this week, was withdrawn and replaced by Mateo Kovacic. Just 36 seconds later, Arsenal equalized with Riccardo Calafiori’s sensational effort.
Rodri struggled from the start as he fell and grabbed his neck and face in the opening seconds after a collision with Kai Havertz.
The former Atlético Madrid man made 50 appearances for City in all competitions last season, missing just nine games.
However, such is his importance to Guardiola’s side, their win percentage dropped from 76% to 55.6% without Rodri in the side, while their points per game dropped from 2.5 to 1.7.
