Manchester City star midfielder Rodri was visibly upset as he flew around the pitch in the first half of his match against Brentford due to an injury. Spanish International quickly headed for the tunnel after taking off in the 22nd minute of the Premier League showdown.
The key city midfielder has been replaced by Nico Gonzalez, who was his 15th appearance for citizens since the end of the 2023/24 season. Disappointed, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was initially in the middle of the pitch, sitting on the grass, annoyed before waiting for the team’s physio to come and treat him.
The 29-year-old started at GTECH Community Stadium in a continuous quest for peak shape and full fitness as he missed out on his victory over Burnley last weekend due to knee discomfort. He returned to his side mid-week when City drew alongside Monaco in the Champions League.
Still struggling with sharpness since his ACL layoffs, Rodri sank on the mark of time after struggling with the rhythm. He started at Brentford, but he grabbed his hamstring in just 20 minutes before falling onto the grass before leaving.
Pep Guardiola was asked about Rodri’s condition at a pre-match press conference before his trip to London, suggesting that he would likely return to his peak before the 2026 World Cup, but he was sure he would eventually reach that level.
“Rodri is an outstanding player. Everyone knows that. Maybe he had a hard time figuring out that he’s six months or 12. The World Cup will be the best Rodri and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is how to handle that.”
“It was a year he went out. His body changed, his rhythm changed, it was just a matter of time and if he was healthy, he would come back.”
Rodri is included in the Spanish squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria next week, but may now be forced to withdraw. City was leading 1-0 against the bees when Rodri was forced to leave the pitch due to Haaland’s early goal.
