/sportsinfo/media/member_avatars/image 59.png)
Follow Us/sportsinfo/media/media_files/HmfDme69xq64FC1v3sn8.png)
WATCH: 'We miss Rodri' - Pep Guardiola's assessment of Manchester City's chances in Rodri's absence (Source: X)
Pep Guardiola addressed the issue of Rodri missing out on the rest of the English Premier League 2024 season for Manchester City. The massive injury has sent shockwaves to the defending champion whose campaign seems difficult without their key midfielder. Pep accepted that without Rodri things would be difficult for them.
Pep Guardiola spoke to the media on Rodri's injury. He claimed that a surgery was done which revealed that the star player had an ACL tear. He confirmed that the midfielder has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Pep promised to assist Rodri in the recovery process.
"Surgery this morning, ACL. Next season he will be here. This season is over. Unfortunately we got the worst [news] but these things happen. We will be there to support him in his recovery step-by-step," said Pep. However, the Manchester City Boss hoped to see the backups step up in Rodri's absence.
WATCH the video here:
"If we don't win, it's because we miss Rodri."
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 27, 2024
What do you make of Pep Guardiola's assessment following the news that his midfielder will miss the remainder of the season through injury? pic.twitter.com/dZcGEQR2Vp
'We have alternatives' - Pep Guardiola hopeful of Manchester City
While Pep accepted that it would be difficult without Rodri, he hoped to see new players stepping up to claim the crucial spot. "But others can all together replace what Rodri has given since his arrival to us," added Guardiola in the press conference.
"We will have to do it as a team and find a way to play a lot of matches without an important player for us," Guardiola hoped. His bet seemed to be on three upcoming stars like Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gündogan, and John Stones who have not gotten enough limelight playing for the defending champions.
Pep felt all the three could play in the position although he felt Rodri was a bit too big a miss. "Mateo Kovacic, and I have a few more. Ilkay Gündogan can play in that position, John Stones [has] too. We have alternatives," added Pep. Arsenal and City had a great match which saw a result of 2-2 with nearly nothing to separate betwene the two sides. Rodri suffered a knee injury and is officially ruled out.