Before last season, it was said Manchester City “always” win their games when Rodri is on the pitch. This turned out to be reality, as the Ballon d’Or winner disappeared nine months out with a cruciate ligament injury. No titles at City this season without Rodri, Guardiola and the gang barely carved their way to a Champions League ticket. Then should Rodri slowly recover, the Club World Cup could prove to have the opposite result.
On Monday, Manchester City disappeared from the championship, outsmarted by former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi and his Saudi Arabian club. Although the English press tried its hand at “disaster” headlines, this is a tournament few care about on the ball island. What is actually a disaster, was Rodri’s short substitution – and exit.
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The Spaniard came on in the 53rd minute of his fifth game since injury in 2024. In the 100th minute, he returned to the bench. After the game, Guardiola confirmed that it may have been the still healing cruciate ligament injury that protested.
-We’ll see what happens with Rodri. He complained about his situation, but we need time to get all the way back,” Guardiola said.
Last time, it took nine months. On August 16, the Premier League kicks off. If it turns out that Rodri has to sit out this because he was declared fit to play too early for a rag tournament in the United States, then this is disaster for City.
We are betting that a holiday and a proper run-up to the new season will give Rodri the foundation to excel in midfield, which City supporters have become so used to.
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