Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to undergo further assessments regarding a knee injury that appears likely to sideline him for a significant duration. The 28-year-old traveled to Spain for initial examinations after suffering the injury during the early minutes of City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal. Early indications suggest that his absence may be prolonged, with concerns rising that he may not return for the remainder of the season.
Rodri has emerged as a frontrunner for the upcoming Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s top player, and many consider him to be one of City’s most pivotal figures. The reigning Premier League champions have maintained an unbeaten record in the last 48 league matches where Rodri has featured. In contrast, City experienced four defeats in five encounters he missed last season, with the Spaniard losing just once in all competitions – excluding penalty shootouts – such as the FA Cup final loss to Manchester United.
The impact of Rodri’s absence
The potential ramifications of Rodri’s injury could significantly influence Manchester City’s aspirations both domestically and in Europe. Since joining the club in 2019 from Atletico Madrid, Rodri has been described as the “ideal fit” for City’s playing style by teammate Kevin de Bruyne. His presence on the field has proven to be transformative, with City losing only 11% of their matches when he plays, compared to 24% in his absence.
Rodri’s contributions are reflected in the team’s performance metrics; with him on the pitch, City averages 2.36 points per game across all competitions, while without him, this drops to 2.04. Should he miss the remainder of the Premier League season, statistical projections suggest City could finish with 80 points – significantly lower than the estimated 91 points if he were available every week. Historically, 91 points would have secured the league title in three of the last four seasons, while the last time a team triumphed with just 80 points was Manchester United in the 2010-11 season, where City finished third under Roberto Mancini.
Rodri’s importance lies in his ability to reclaim possession and distribute it with remarkable precision. Since making his debut, only Declan Rice of Arsenal has matched him in winning back possession, and no player has excelled in regaining the ball in the central areas of the pitch more than Rodri. His tactical awareness and robust defensive play have contributed to City keeping 73 clean sheets over his 260 appearances.
What distinguishes Rodri is not just his defensive capabilities but also his distribution skills. Since his arrival in the Premier League, he has completed nearly 2,000 more passes than any other player, amassing a total of 13,699 passes, with Brighton’s Lewis Dunk trailing at 11,952. Additionally, Rodri leads in successful passes made in the opposition’s half and final third, boasting a passing accuracy of 91.9%, illustrating his effectiveness even in high-pressure situations deep within the opponent’s territory.
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