Rodri injury: Man City star undergoes knee tests in Spain

Manchester City midfielder Rodri was photographed arriving in Spain ahead of examinations for an injury to his right knee sustained during the weekend’s match against Arsenal in the English Premier League.

Rodri underwent further tests in Barcelona on Tuesday, with a source telling ESPN that he would need surgery but there was a small possibility that the cruciate ligament was not as badly affected as initially feared.

If he tears his cruciate ligament, he will be out for around eight months, otherwise around five months.

Parts of the Spanish media published footage of Rodri’s arrival in Barcelona on Monday on social media.

A prolonged absence of Rodri will damage City’s chances of winning the Premier League for a record fifth time in a row. City lead the league by one point after five games.

Rodri is one of the favourites for the 2024 Ballon d’Or and is arguably City’s most important player due to his performance in protecting the defence and directing the team’s passing game.

He limped off the pitch in the 20th minute of the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday after injuring his right knee in a tussle with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey in the penalty area during a corner.

Last week, Rodri said top players could soon go on strike because they were being asked to play too many games due to the introduction of new competitions into the already packed football calendar and the addition of matches to existing tournaments.