Man City get clear transfer message over replacing Rodri

The extent of Rodri's injury forced Manchester City to hold discussions about the January transfer window.

Losing such a key player for the rest of the campaign obviously brings questions about how the squad can cope without them. City were already light in that area having decided Kalvin Phillips was not up to scratch, and while Ilkay Gundogan has returned to the squad Rodri's injury has seen punters turn their attention away from City for the biggest prizes on offer this season.

At the same time, not only do the Blues have an excellent record of managing without their injured stars but getting somebody in is far more difficult than agreeing to bring someone in. There is nobody in world football as good in that midfield position as Rodri - and it took him more than a year to get used to the role.

READ MORE: Man City prove point in spectacular fashion as Pep Guardiola told something he won't forget

READ MORE: Arsenal, Manchester United among eight clubs who helped Premier League in Man City case

Even if you can identify a player that can have an instant impact, good luck convincing them to come over knowing that as soon as Rodri is fit again he will play. While City's recruitment in midfield over the last few years can be questioned, it is no easy task.

Pep Guardiola may have made things a little easier by being so clear about the uphill task Rodri faces when he returns. In multiple press conferences since the injury, City's manager has stressed that a return from his knee ligament injury will not see everything be back to normal next season.

“I know from my experience when you have long injuries or surgery, you have to be careful," he said last week. "The problem Kevin De Bruyne has is a consequence for the