Devastated Rodri suffers injury blow as Man City handed huge worry

Manchester City star Rodri was crestfallen as he departed the field against Brentford after suffering an injury. The Spain international headed straight down the tunnel as he had to be replaced in the opening half of the Premier League clash.

Pep Guardiola's key midfielder was replaced by Nico Gonzalez after 20 minutes. Rodri had made just his 15th City appearance since the end of 2023/24, after missing most of last season due to injury.

The frustrated figure first stood in the centre of the field looking annoyed before sitting on the turf and shaking his head as he awaited his team's physios. A team-mate attempted to lift Rodri to his feet but the 29-year-old refused his assistance.

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The ex-Atletico Madrid star hobbled off the pitch with a morose look on his face. It appeared Rodri suffered an injury to his hamstring on this occasion.

It is the second time the Ballon D'or winner has been replaced in the opening 45 minutes across his last five Premier League matches.

Pundit and former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said: "Man City have brought Rodri back in gently, but sometimes it's just the way it is. Hopefully, it is not too serious. Believe it or not, I tore my hamstring and I was only out for 12 days. It all depends how bad the tear is."

Speaking before the clash with Brentford, Guardiola had discussed how Rodri had to be managed following his significant injury last term. "Rodri can't play 90 minutes in many games, and González was very, very good against Burnley and he's improving," said Guardiola.

"(Mateo) Kovacic isn't ready, and Rodri can't play much. He made a huge effort the week we played United, Napoli and Arsenal, but I have to protect my players. Look at what happened to (Dani) Carvajal at Real Madrid and other players who keep relapsing."

The Catalan coach added: "I told Rodri that it's not a six- or seven-month story. It's not: 'I come back, I play and I become the Rodri of before.' No! The real Rodri, we'll see him at the 2026 World Cup with Spain, and from next season, he'll be at his best.

"This season, the challenge is to manage things step by step. It's normal. For a year, he lived on the treatment table.

"The body changes, the rhythm changes, everything changes. He just needs time. And he'll come back."

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