Pep Guardiola issues update on Rodri injury with fears Man City star could miss season

Pep Guardiola has confirmed midfield star Rodri will be sidelined for some time as Manchester City wait to discover the extent of his knee injury.

Rodri flew to his native Spain on Monday to see specialist Dr Ramon Cugat and reports there say he could be out for the rest of the season with ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments. Guardiola did not confirm those claims and says City are still waiting to be told how serious Rodri’s injury is.

When asked before Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Watford if the key Spain midfielder will be out for some time, Guardiola replied: “Yep.

“We’re still waiting for the decision of the doctors, exactly what he has. When we know it, the club or myself, the spokesman of the club will announce it.”

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Rodri was injured in the first half of City’s tempestuous 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday and his loss is a major blow to the Blues’ hopes of winning a record fifth successive Premier League.

The injury occurred in the first half of City's dramatic draw with title rivals Arsenal. And former Gunners star Paul Merson believes the absence of Rodri could play a massive role in the race for the top-flight crown.

"I think it’s major," he told Sky Sports. "For all the top, top drawer players Man City have got, Rodri is world -class. He gets into every other football team in the world.

"There’s not many who can say that and he is one of them. He will be sorely missed because he’s an exceptional player who knits it all together."

Guardiola's side were back in action just two days after their weekend exploits, with Manchester United's Europa League game on Wednesday leaving them with few options. City were given the option to play the game on Thursday, but with an early kick off on Saturday that was rejected.

"Obviously, this game comes just two days after we played Arsenal," Guardiola said in his programme notes. It has given us very little time to recover and prepare but it is what it is.

"Our desire to win is as strong as ever and I know the guys really want to win this game tonight and go through to the next round."

Despite that quick turnaround, City got off to a quick start against their Championship opponents, with Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes scoring in the first half.

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