Rodri, Manchester City’s defensive midfielder, has been struggling with a series of injuries this season, leading to his absence for a significant portion of the 2024/25 campaign. The 28-year-old has missed a total of 37 games, as he continues to recover from a major cruciate ligament tear sustained in September.
This latest injury occurred on September 23, 2024, and it’s expected to keep Rodri sidelined until March 31, 2025. His recovery timeline means that he will miss 189 days and 34 matches for Manchester City, including a number of crucial fixtures in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Prior to this, Rodri also dealt with a hamstring injury in the summer, which kept him out for 42 days and caused him to miss three games in July and August 2024.
RECALL:
Rodri’s absence has been a major blow for Manchester City, as the Spanish midfielder plays a vital role in their defensive setup and overall game control. With Rodri out, City have had to rely on Kalvin Phillips and Bernardo Silva to step into his role, but neither has been able to replicate his leadership and consistency in midfield.
Before this season, Rodri had a relatively injury-free career, missing just a handful of games in previous seasons due to minor knocks. However, this season has proved much more difficult, with the cruciate ligament injury being his most serious setback to date.
In total, Rodri has now been out of action for 231 days, which has had a noticeable impact on both City’s performances and their depth in midfield.
QUOTES:
Pep Guardiola spoke about the impact of Rodri’s injury:
“Rodri is so important to us, not only for his passing and tactical intelligence but for his leadership on the pitch. We will miss him, but the team will need to adapt and continue fighting in his absence.”
Pep also acknowledged the significance of Rodri’s injury, noting:
“Rodri is a player who gives us so much more than just his technical ability. He controls the tempo, breaks up opposition attacks, and leads by example. Of course, we miss him, but it’s up to us as a team to adapt and keep fighting without him.”
CITATIONS:
According to Manchester City’s official updates, Rodri is expected to return by the end of March 2025, just in time for the crucial final stretch of the season. The club is taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, ensuring that he returns to full fitness before making his comeback.
City will be hoping that Rodri’s recovery goes smoothly, allowing him to make an impact during the business end of the season.
KEEP IN MIND:
Rodri’s recovery is a priority for Manchester City, as the 28-year-old has become a key figure in the team’s success. His absence has been felt both domestically and in European competitions, but City will be hoping that his return can provide the necessary boost as they enter the final stages of the season.
The club will be closely monitoring his progress to ensure that he is fully fit before stepping back onto the pitch. There is also hope that Rodri may be available for Spain’s upcoming international fixtures, provided his recovery continues as planned.
