Manchester City have revealed that midfielder Rodri sustained a cruciate ligament damage in his right knee during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and it is now time to locate a replacement.

Rodri will be missing for a long time.
Although the severity of the injury has not been formally determined, the Spaniard is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period. Mateo Kovacic, who came on as a replacement for Rodri against Arsenal, might take over as defensive midfielder in the short term.

However, if the injury is proven to be more serious, such as a cruciate ligament damage that might sideline Rodri for the remainder of the season, City may decide to seek a replacement in the transfer market.

According to TEAMtalk, City have identified four players who might replace Rodri, with one name that may surprise followers of another Premier League team.

City are interested in Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, who impressed manager Pep Guardiola in the two teams’ 0-0 Champions League draw earlier this month.

Atalanta’s Ederson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also included. The final name is likely the most similar to Rodri: Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

Zubimendi is of interest to both Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 25-year-old came on as a second-half replacement in the Euro 2024 final against England after Rodri was injured, and he helped Spain win. He made headlines last summer after rejecting a move to Liverpool.

If Zubimendi decides to join City, it will be a significant blow to Arne Slot’s side, who have left the door open for a midfielder in January.

Zubimendi is yet to agree new terms for a new contract with Sociedad, and the club’s president said: “There are no [negotiations] now and there have never been. He did not put any conditions with us [on a new contract before rejecting Liverpool]. He understands the timing and knows that this is a market where some players will leave.” 

“And he understands that this is the time to stay at Real Sociedad. He has not set conditions for an extension, and we have not spoken about it. The conversation with Martin was short and quick.”