Pep Guardiola stated he must “discover a resolution” to the absence of Rodri from Manchester City‘s midfield after the Premier League champions did not win once more with out the injured Spain worldwide towards Newcastle on Saturday.
Rodri, 28, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his proper knee throughout final Sunday’s 2-2 draw towards Arsenal.
Previous to the journey to Newcastle, Metropolis had misplaced 7 of 21 Premier League video games with out Rodri in taking part in his standard defensive midfield function and, whereas he was suspended final season, Guardiola’s aspect misplaced back-to-back video games towards Newcastle and Wolves with Rodri unavailable.
However whereas Metropolis averted defeat at St. James’ Park, their efficiency was unconvincing with a midfield of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gündogan and Rico Lewis and Guardiola stated after the 1-1 draw that he’s but to work out how finest to manage with out Rodri.
“Guys, I do know you’re going to ask me on a regular basis, however he [Rodri] isn’t there,” Guardiola stated. “Kova[cic], Bernardo [Silva], Rico did nicely, however I’ve to search out options. I might love Rodri to be right here.
“I see my staff and recognise them completely. We had the possibilities to attain and in midfield we have been robust. The problem was balls in behind.
“However generally it occurs and it’s important to adapt. We had probabilities to attain, however that is their [Newcastle] stadium and so they had probabilities to attain, so I am joyful.”
Guardiola, in the meantime, performed down issues over an damage to striker Erling Haaland throughout the first half of the sport.
The Norway worldwide acquired remedy on his left ankle, with some blood seen on his ripped sock because the physio sprayed the affected space.
However Haaland accomplished the sport and Guardiola appeared unfazed by the issue when requested after the sport.
“He [Haaland] has some knock,” Guardiola stated. “We’ll see.”
