A Nightmare Remembered

On Monday, September 22, it was exactly one year since Rodri Hernández tore his cruciate ligament, an injury that sidelined him for eight long months. It happened in the 16th minute of a Manchester City vs Arsenal clash, when the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner heard the snap that changed his season. His return finally came against Iraola’s Bournemouth, after a long and painful recovery.

Just when it seemed all was behind him, the alarm bells rang again. In the latest Premier League match, City crushed Burnley 5-1, but the absence of the Spanish midfielder raised fresh concerns.

Rodri’s Confession to Guardiola

In the post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was clear when asked why Rodri wasn’t even on the bench. “In the training session [before the match], Rodri told me: I can’t play. I have a lot of pain in my knee, I can’t play.”

The coach didn’t hesitate in his response: “You can’t play? Then you won’t play, someone else will.” And so it was. Another Spaniard, Nico González, stepped in and impressed with his performance. Guardiola later confirmed that the discomfort is in the same knee that suffered the serious injury a year ago, fueling even more concern within the City camp.

Will He Make It to the Champions League?

The manager’s remarks have put Rodri’s participation in doubt for Wednesday’s match in Monaco, part of the Champions League league phase. The big question is whether he will recover in time or if City will have to face the European challenge without their midfield engine.

What’s certain is that Guardiola needs his key man at full strength to keep pace in a season packed with challenges. Once again, Rodri’s knee threatens to become the reigning champions’ biggest worry.