MAN CITY LIKELY TO LOSE RODRI FOR SEASON WITH KNEE LIGAMENT INJURY

LONDON, Sept 24 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- It is looking increasingly likely that Manchester City will be without Spain international midfielder Rodri for the rest of the season after he suffered a knee injury in Sunday's 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal, reported Xinhua.

Although Rodri will have further tests on his right knee, initial tests reportedly indicate damage to his anterior cruciate ligament. If confirmed, this would require a surgery, resulting in about nine months out of action.

It is a huge blow to City and coach Pep Guardiola, who described Rodri as "irreplaceable" back in March, with the problem made worse by the fact that apart from Mateo Kovacic, the club doesn't have a replacement.

Rodri’s importance to Manchester City was highlighted a year ago when he was suspended for three games, and City lost them all. The only match they lost in 90 minutes last season when he was in the side, was the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Stats provided by Opta show that when Rodri plays, Manchester City collect 2.36 points per game, with that average dropping to 2.04 without him. That translates to a difference of 11 points over a season with and without him.

Other statistics show just how vital Rodri is, with only Arsenal's Declan Rice winning possession more than Rodri, who has completed 2,000 more passes than any other player in the Premier League since he joined Manchester City in August 2019.

Rodri's injury comes just days after he spoke about the extra demands and ever-increasing fixture calendar facing top-level footballers. Although he may have been thinking more about muscle fatigue, the fact he is likely to be out until next summer only serves to strengthen his argument.  

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA