Manchester City, which is trying to win its fifth consecutive title for the first time in history, is on high alert.
'Ace'Lodri faced a season out crisis with a knee injury. David Onstein, a reporter for the British Deer Athletic, said on the 24th (Korea time), `Lordry is expected to be absent for a considerable period of time due to a serious knee injury. I might not be able to come back this season. Further tests will be carried out in Spain,' the report said. Onstein is considered the first tier when it comes to Manchester City news. Major foreign media also urgently reported Rodri's injury. ESPN confirmed that Rodri's scan showed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He will undergo further examinations, but is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season,' the report said.
Rodri started in the fifth round of the English Premier League (EPL) against rival Arsenal in 2024-2025 at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on the 23rd and played on the ground as usual. An accident occurred in the 16th minute of the first half. Manchester City's corner attack collapsed as they struggled to settle down with Arsenal Thomas Partey. Earlier in the day, Rodri had collapsed on the ground after a collision with Kai Havertz shortly after kickoff in the first half. The second collision led to serious injuries. As a result of the slow scene, there was no special physical contact with the opponent, but he felt a big injury because he collapsed alone. Rodri hasn't been up for quite a while. I waited until the medical staff called by the referee came. Rodri was replaced by Mateo Kovacic and left the ground. When I went out, I walked out.
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After the game, Guardiola said of Rodri's condition, `I don't know because I haven't met the medical staff yet.' He walked out of the pitch. I felt something different, so I left rather than remain in the stadium," he said, adding that Rodri must have felt abnormal in his physical condition. "Lodry is the world's best holding midfielder and potential Ballon d'Or winner. This is how the game against Arsenal is so intense. We have to deal with it, and we have actually done so in many ways." Manchester City and Arsenal drew 2-2.
Disturbing concerns continued. When analyzing Rodri's video footage through the `Sports Bible', the physio scout, who has a single eye on injuries to the players, said that the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and damage to the meniscus appeared to have been included, with his right knee bent outward. The tibia bones also seem to have migrated. Of course, a thorough examination is required, but even if it is good news in the current situation, only the meniscus is injured. But the signs don't look good.
In the end, it came to a worst conclusion. Rodri reportedly suffered damage to both the cruciate ligament rupture and meniscus. The rupture of the cruciate ligament alone takes nearly a year, including rehabilitation, and it has added to the meniscus injury. I can't guarantee how long it will take for him to return. As Rodri is a defensive midfielder, durability is inevitably important, but it is unclear whether he will be able to return to his normal skills.
Rodri is a key Manchester City midfielder who does not need an explanation. Manchester City is full of top players, but there is no replacement for Rodri. He plays the most important role in Pep Guardiola-style football. Manchester City is always strong, but the performance is not very good in Rodri's absence. Manchester City have not lost in 48 consecutive games that Rodri has played. Van Rodri was the man of Manchester City's fourth consecutive defeat.
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He also played an important role in the Spanish national team, leading them to the last Euro 2024 championship. Rodri plays in a less visible defensive midfielder position, but in recognition of his ability, he ranked fifth at last year's Ballon d'Or. This season, he is considered the strongest Ballon d'Or candidate along with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. If a defensive midfielder receives the Ballon d'Or, it is history in itself.
He was also recognized for his ability in games. Rodri became the highest rated defensive midfielder in the history of EA Sports Football Game. Rodri received an overall 91 in the recently released EA Sports FC25. It rose from 89 to 91. Overall 90, ahead of Harry Kane, Kevin the Breiner, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, tied with Elling Holan and Kylian Mbappe. Defensive midfielders are difficult to get good reviews due to the nature of the game, but Rodri has surpassed this.
With this performance, Rodri became the target of Real Madrid, the 'best club in the world'. Real Madrid are looking for a long-term replacement for Tony Cross, who announced his retirement, and have cited Rodri as the solution. Man City offer to renew contract to keep Rodri irreplaceable. Rodri still has three years left on his contract with Manchester City, but Manchester City intends to keep Rodri as tied as possible in preparation for a possible transfer. Man City offered £375,000 a week to win Rodri's heart. It is the same amount as Elling Holan, who receives the club's highest weekly salary. That's how desperate he is to catch Rodri.
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Rodri said in a recent interview that `I have three years left on my contract with Manchester City. I don't think about other teams during the contract period. I'll be in Manchester City for three years, and there's nothing more to say. As for the Ballon d'Or award "I am happy with everything that has happened to me over the years. It's like a dream for me to win Man City and Spain. The result of working hard and not giving up..."
However, due to long-term injuries, changes in the future have become inevitable. It's the result of murderous fatigue. Rodri played 63 games for Manchester City and Spain last season. Rodri said "I think the possibility of a strike by the players is close. "No matter who I ask, I'll give the same answer" "If this continues, the players will make an unchallenged choice. It is impossible for us, who are involved, to always maintain a good physical level. This year, I could play 70 games, maybe 80 games, he said. Concern eventually turned into a disaster.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
