Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Rodri, Injury, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Rodri suffered a ligament injury to his right knee during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
Although a full diagnosis is yet to be made on the extent of his injury, the Spaniard will spend time on the sidelines.
In the short-term, Mateo Kovacic could replace him in his usual deep-lying role, having come off the bench to replace Rodri against Arsenal.
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But if the injury is deemed to be more serious - such as a cruciate ligament injury, which would see him miss the rest of the season - City may decide to dip into the market for a replacement.
According to TEAMtalk, City have compiled a four-player shortlist to replace Rodri - and one name may shock fans of another Premier League club.
Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella is of interest to City, with manager Pep Guardiola witnessing his attributes first-hand during the 0-0 Champions League draw between the two sides earlier this month.
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Atalanta's Ederson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton are also on the shortlist.
The final name is perhaps the most similar player to Rodri available - Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old came off the bench at half-time during the Euro 2024 final against England after Rodri went off injured, and helped Spain seal victory.
He hit the headlines later in the summer for turning down a move to Liverpool, who subsequently decided that they were no longer in the market for a defensive midfielder.
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If Zubimendi were to decide to move to City, it would be a hammer blow to Arne Slot's side, who may not yet have completely given hope that he could move to Anfield in the future.
The midfielder has yet to agree fresh terms on a new contract with Sociedad, with club president telling : "There has not been [talks] now and there has not been before.
"He did not put any conditions on us [about a new contract before rejecting Liverpool]. He understood the moment, and knew that it was a market in which some players were going to leave. And he understood that it was a time to stay at Real Sociedad.
"He has not put a renewal as a condition, nor have we talked about it. The conversation with Martin was short and quick."