Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri is set to be sidelined for an extended period due to a serious knee injury sustained in the recent Premier League match against Arsenal.
The injury occurred during the first half when Rodri fell awkwardly after a run towards the front post.
Tests confirmed the severity of the injury, with concerns that he may miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
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This setback comes after his return from a hamstring injury sustained during the European Championship final against England, which had already delayed his start to the season.
Rodri’s absence could be a significant blow to City, as they are already dealing with a demanding schedule.
His injury is raising concerns about the physical toll on players due to the packed football calendar.
The Manchester city midfielder, who played over 4,300 minutes across 50 games last season, recently voiced his concerns about the increasing number of matches, suggesting that players might have no choice but to strike if the schedule remains unchanged.
The 28-year-old emphasized that maintaining high performance with such a heavy workload is nearly impossible.
He noted that exceeding 50 matches can lead to a significant drop in physical performance, and with the 2024-25 season expected to be the busiest yet, players’ welfare is at risk.
A recent FIFPro report has also highlighted that the upcoming season could be the worst in terms of player workload.
Rodri’s statements emphasize the ongoing debate about the balance between the commercial aspects of football and player well-being.
He argued that, while financial gains and marketing are important, the quality of the game and player health should be first.
If the current trend continues, with players expected to participate in up to 80 matches in a season, the overall quality of the sport could diminish.
Manchester City will now have to navigate their upcoming fixtures without one of their key players.
They are set to face Watford in the Carabao Cup and Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The club and fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Rodri’s recovery timeline, hoping that he can return before the end of the season.
In the meantime, City will need to rely on their squad depth and other midfield options to maintain their position at the top of the league.
