Who can Manchester City sign as Rodri replacement in January transfer window?

Early reports from Spain have provided a glimpse into the emotions surrounding Rodri's injury sustained during Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal. During the Sunday afternoon clash at Etihad Stadium, the 28-year-old was the target of multiple powerful challenges from opposing players, but he suffered a seemingly significant injury in an event that was mostly non-contact.

During the Manchester City corner-kick sequence, Rodri seemed to jar his knee as his leg grounded into the Etihad Stadium ground as he ran towards the ball, under tremendous pressure from Thomas Partey in the Arsenal penalty area.

The Spanish player was in a lot of pain, and the medical team requested that a stretcher be brought across the field in case the player sustained additional serious injuries. But Rodri walked off the field by himself with little help, staying in the stadium to finish the game.

When chatting to the press following the game, Pep Guardiola was unable to provide much information regarding the seriousness of the issue; nevertheless, a new report released on Monday suggested an initial assessment of the issue following preliminary testing. According to the sources, Rodri, the defensive midfielder for Manchester City, suffered a "serious" injury during the team's initial examinations on Sunday night.

Joshua Kimmich to replace Rodri at Manchester City?

Multiple reports state that Joshua Kimmich, the Bayern Munich midfielder, is on Manchester City's transfer shortlist. Kimmich is expected to take Rodri's place. Kimmich's signing would bring Pep Guardiola back together with a former midfield player. The dynamic midfielder completed 38 games with the Spaniard during their time together at Bayern.

After a summer of intense speculation, Joshua Kimmich's status at the Allianz is already in doubt, and a transfer of him to Etihad wouldn't seem shocking. He will become a free agent after the end of the current campaign. In January, the 29-year-old might potentially sign for a reduced fee due to his current contract circumstances.