Rodri spotted for first time after Man City injury blow as midfielder departs UK

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been pictured arriving in Barcelona after picking up a knee injury against Arsenal.

The Spain international was forced off 21 minutes into Sunday's 2-2 draw with Mikel Arteta's side at the Etihad Stadium. Rodri fought back tears as he limped off the pitch with Mateo Kovacic brought on to replace him.

Offering an update on his midfielder’s injury after the game, Pep Guardiola said: “I don't know yet; I didn't ask the doctors. Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise, Rodri stays there.

ALSO READ: 'We're going to win the league' - Man City players convinced after seeing what Arsenal did at Etihad

ALSO READ: I saw what Arsenal staff really thought about Man City as they left the Etihad

"He's the best holding midfielder in the world, he is a potential Ballon d'Or winner, I would love for him to win. But it happened in the first minutes. These games with Arsenal are like that and we have to handle it. We did it. We did really good things."

But since then, the worst possible news has come for Rodri and City. It has been widely reported that the midfielder is expected to be on the sidelines for the majority of the campaign with a cruciate ligament injury.

Rodri has since flown to Spain for treatment. He was spotted in a white hoodie coming out of a building and had a slight limp and was clearly in pain.

Rodri’s absence is sure to be a bitter blow for Guardiola and his side. The Spaniard has been a key player for the club ever since a £62m move from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He has since made 260 appearances for the club and scored 26 goals. He has helped the club to four consecutive Premier League titles, the 2023 Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

He had also previously warned that players could be forced to strike due to the growing demands put on players with packed fixture schedules. Speaking just last week, he said: "I think we are close to that. I think if you ask any player he will say the same.

"It is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let's see.

"I don't know what's going to happen but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer."