The Manchester City Stars That Are Best Equipped To Replace Rodri As Pep Guardiola Confirms Lengthy Spell On The Sidelines

The Rodri injury was the major talking point after Manchester City and Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad on gameweek 5. 

A last-gasp John Stones equaliser ensured the spoils were shared on a frantic afternoon of Premier League action. Erling Haaland had given City the lead before Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel hit back for the Gunners.

However, the Cityzens have now confirmed that their Spanish superstar suffered a knee ligament injury. The Ballon d’Or contender is expected to be ruled out for a considerable amount of time.

Now, boss Pep Guardiola is faced with the dilemma of trying to replace his midfield fulcrum. There are certainly some strong candidates but fully replacing someone of Rodri’s talents is no easy feat.

It is no secret that the champions do suffer without the 28-year-old in their starting XI. The Rodri stats themselves are quite extraordinary. But the options available do offer encouragement.

We can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.

Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery 🩵

More information 👇

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 25, 2024

Pep Guardiola Confirms Rodri Injury After Carabao Cup Win

The severity of the Rodri injury was confirmed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Speaking after their Carabao Cup victory against Watford, Guardiola said the Spaniard is set for a long spell out.

“Still we don’t have the definitive diagnosis but he will be out for a long time – a while,” said the City boss. “But there are some opinions that maybe it will be less than we expected.

“We are waiting for the last phone calls from him and the doctors for what definitely he has and the type of surgery he has to get. We expect that tonight, tomorrow we will know exactly.”

It’s understood the 28-year-old has made a return to his homeland for more tests via specialists. This should be able to give both club and player a clearer indication of a return date.

Nonetheless, City don’t have time to dwell on the Rodri injury for too long with a plethora of fixtures on the horizon. Therefore, which players do they have amongst their ranks who can fill the void?

Rodri will be out for "a long, long time" and requires surgery, manager Pep Guardiola has said 🤕 pic.twitter.com/ufwb1hxOBW

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 25, 2024

Rodri Injury Paves Way For Mateo Kovacic To Shine

After being given extended time off after Euro 2024, Rodri’s position at Manchester City was temporarily occupied by Mateo Kovacic. Which worked out very well.

The Croatian has helped provide a solid defensive shield when required to do so. The opening four games of the Premier League season saw him play the role with minimal fuss and professionalism.

In fact, Kovacic has played in the pivot over 100 times in his career. Even doing so for Chelsea on four occasions when they tasted UEFA Champions League glory in 2021.

Can Ilkay Gundogan Fill The Void After Rodri Injury?

Although Mateo Kovacic is the leading contender, Ilkay Gundogan is more than capable of stepping up after Rodri’s injury. Although, he hasn’t played as many games as a defensive midfielder than Kovacic has for Manchester City.

With that said, the German star has played as the protector approximately 100 times throughout his career. So he will be suited with the knowledge and attributes to satisfy City’s requirements.

Surprisingly, Gundogan actually boasts more clean sheets when playing in front of the backline than Kovacic. Overall, Pep Guardiola has two stars who are more than capable.

Rico Lewis’ Versatility Could Prove Valuable

It’s not often that a teenager comes on to the scene with all the attributes required to fit straight into Pep Guardiola’s system. However, the emergence of Rico Lewis has been incredible.

The Rodri injury could come as a blessing in disguise for the young England international. Lewis has been superb in every game he has featured in for Manchester City this season.

Predominantly a full-back, Lewis’ flexibility is a huge asset to Guardiola and the City boss could be tempted to nurture his skills further in the anchor role.

Time To Unleash John Stones In Defensive Midfield?

Known as the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’ by many, John Stones’ comparisons to the legendary German international may finally come to fruition.

Similar to Rico Lewis, the England star is known for his versatility and has played in some peculiar positions since signing for Manchester City.

Not only has he played in midfield roles, he actually started in an attacking berth during the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. Pep Guardiola could be about to re-spawn a modern day version of Beckenbauer.