Man City Facing Major Injury Blow Ahead of Liverpool Clash
Manchester City have been stretched across all fronts this season and their latest setback could not have come at a worse time. With Liverpool visiting the Etihad on 9 November, the champions are now sweating over the fitness of their midfield anchor after Rodri suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury against Brentford.
Rodri Setback Raises Serious Concerns
City’s rhythm relies heavily on control in midfield and that control usually starts with Rodri. He was already working his way back from an ACL injury sustained last September and had only just returned after sitting out the previous Premier League fixture against Burnley with knee pain. His selection at the Gtech Community Stadium signalled trust from Pep Guardiola that he was ready for extended minutes, yet it lasted barely 20 minutes.
The midfielder clutched his hamstring and immediately gestured towards the bench. Medical staff treated him on the pitch before he was withdrawn for Nico Gonzalez, who has deputised several times this season. Pep Guardiola admitted before kick off that his key midfielder was still shy of full sharpness, meaning any flare up was always going to be met with caution.
Rodri had been included in Spain’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria, although that call up now looks highly unlikely to be fulfilled.
Title Race Implications for Liverpool
From Liverpool’s perspective, any Man City Injury Blow of this scale shifts the picture entirely. Rodri is the balance point of Guardiola’s system, knitting possession phases together while shielding the defence. Without him, City often lose rhythm and become easier to press.
Arne Slot’s side will not celebrate publicly, yet privately there will be acknowledgement that his absence would be significant. With both sides expected to be deep in the title race again, marginal gains matter. Liverpool dismantled opponents last season with relentless pressure and vertical passing, forcing mistakes in areas Rodri typically marshals.
Squad Depth Tested in Critical Phase
Man City are no strangers to absorbing injuries across a demanding calendar, yet timing is everything. Champions League group games, domestic fixtures and international commitments have already stretched resources. Removing the midfield metronome from that equation could force tactical alterations.
Guardiola has often trusted Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis in that zone when Rodri has been unavailable. All capable, none truly like for like.
Liverpool Ready to Capitalise
In a season where the margins between Liverpool and Man City could again come down to fine details, losing such an influential figure stands out as more than mere misfortune. It opens a door. Slot’s side have shown they can capitalise on vulnerability and if Rodri is missing when Liverpool arrive at the Etihad, that fixture will feel notably different before a ball is even kicked.
