Rodri left the field midway through the first half of Manchester City’s Premier League match against Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium on Sunday evening.
The 29-year-old has been suffering from recurring pain in the knee where he underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery last season, keeping the Ballon d’Or-winning star out for almost the entire 2024-25 season.
Rodri has been back since the beginning of September and has gradually started playing after several setbacks in recent months, but it appears the Spanish international will continue to be plagued by injuries.
Rodri left the Brentford match after just 22 minutes with a muscle injury, or what appeared to be a hamstring strain – the exact nature of the injury remains uncertain. He was replaced by Nico Gonzalez.
Rodri appeared devastated and on the verge of tears after suffering the latest setback in his fitness, compounding what has been the most challenging 12 months of his professional career.
Hamstring injuries typically take four to six weeks before a player can return to action, and Rodri will miss a crucial period for City, both in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola hopes the injury is minor, just a strain. Otherwise, Rodri’s absence will be prolonged, and with it, a significant loss of his quality during a busy season.
