)
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has explained why Manchester City will struggle to retain the Premier League title this season.
Alan Shearer believes Manchester City's title hopes have been dealt a significant blow after midfielder Rodri suffered a season-ending injury.
The Spanish international damaged his knee ligaments during Sunday's clash against Arsenal, leaving City without one of their most important players for an extended period.
Shearer knows a thing or two about winning the Premier League, after winning the title with Blackburn Rovers, and he believes City will have a tough time navigating the season without Rodri.
)
10:23 - 25.09.2024
I will find a solution — Guardiola determined to win Premier League without Rodri
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his team can still win the Premier League even without their star midfielder Rodri.
Shearer believes Rodri absence could cost Man City title
"There's no doubt that a potential season-ending injury to Rodri will have an impact on Man City's title hopes," Shearer told BetFair.
)
He emphasized the difference between a short-term absence and a lengthy layoff.
"It's one thing knowing you're not having him for two or three games, like they had at the beginning of the season, but it's another thing knowing that he's probably not going to come back this season."
Shearer acknowledged City's depth and resources but stressed that losing a key player like Rodri would still be a significant setback.
"That's a big blow, and I don't care who you are and what resources you've got, and Man City have a lot.
"When you lose a player of that calibre and quality, for that amount of time, there's no doubt it'll hurt them."
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)