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Rodri who has been at the forefront in speaking up against the ever-rising amount of playing time footballers get, has been dealt a huge blow that could potentially spark a chain reaction in the top five leagues.
Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow after Rodri sustained an injury in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead early on at the Etihad through Erling Haaland before Arsenal equalised through Ricardo Calafiori and pulled ahead towards the end of the half through Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners, who were reduced to ten men after the sending Leandro Trossard's sending off, held on to their lead for ninety minutes but a John Stones equaliser deep in stoppage broke the North Londoners heart.
According to ESPN, Rodri who came off with an injury during the match in the 21st minute could potentially miss the remainder of the season after tests confirmed he suffered an anterior ligament tear in his right knee during Sunday’s clash.
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Rodri who has missed majority of City’s matches at the start of the season has been loudly spoken about the gruelling schedule players face with the ever-rising amount of matches they have to play.
The Spaniard’s injury comes just a week after he expressed concern about the intense football schedule and suggesting that players might soon go on strike if the concern isn't addressed.
"I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it's something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever," he stated as quoted on Goal.
"I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it remains this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let's see. I don't know what's going to happen but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer."
Rodri’s sentiment was reiterated a week earlier by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde who backed the Spaniard’s statement about the heavy load in the football calendar, suggesting that a strike might be the way to go.
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Manager Pep Guardiola has also come out to back Rodri, sighting that if something is to change then the action needs to come from the players, himself hinting at a possible strike.
Manchester City have played 174 matches with Rodri in the Premier League and 21 without since the Spaniard joined them in 2019.
The Cityzens lost three of their matches that Rodri missed last season, highlighting just how crucial the midfielder is. During Sunday’s clash Arsenal equalized just seconds after his withdrawal.
With the ever-rising number of matches in the football calendar, Rodri’s suggestion of a strike could soon come to pass.
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