Fans hoping for Manchester City to sign a replacement for Rodri in January might be disappointed. City are reeling after talisman Rodri suffered a knee ligament injury at the weekend, with tests revealing a lengthy lay-off that Pep Guardiola says will require surgery.
There are hopes for a more positive diagnosis after the initial tests threw up mixed results, however the club are preparing for Rodri to miss a few months at least.
Some reports say the worst case scenario is that Rodri has been ruled out for the season, but City have stopped short of confirming an expected return date and will await further tests to confirm the extent of his ligament damage. ALSO READ: Arteta texts, Arsenal fall-out, Rodri blow - How Pep Guardiola pulled Man City through chaotic week ALSO READ: Man City already have seven Rodri replacements to meet Pep Guardiola challenge In the meantime, Guardiola says it is his duty to find a solution to Rodri's absence, with plenty of midfielders and defenders who can combine to replicate the role and responsibilities of Rodri - a player he calls 'irreplaceable'.
And while City will be confident in their options moving forward, fans and some pundits have questioned whether City will look to make a signing in January after opting against moving for a defensive midfielder in the summer.