Manchester City have provided an update on midfielder Rodri, who sustained a ligament injury during the club's 2-2 clash with Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.
Earlier this week, Man City confirmed that Rodri had suffered a ligament injury and travelled to Spain for specialist consultation after tests were also done in Manchester.
Now, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the extent of the injury and sadly for Rodri, his season has come to an abrupt end.
Pep Guardiola shares awaited update.
After telling the press that Rodri would no longer be able to participate in the 24/25 season, the manager added "He had surgery this morning - ACL and some meniscus, so next season he will be here. This season is over."
"We got the worst (news possible) but it is what it is. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are there to support him. Good recovery, step by step and we move forward."
"What he gives us we don't have a similar player, but other players together can replace what Rodri has given us since he arrived to us. We have to do it as a team and find a way to play during a lot of months without an important player for us. Everyone knows it. Speedy recovery and next season he will compete against them."
"We are stronger with him, we are stronger with Nathan Ake, we strong with Oscar Bobb All the injuries we did not want it, but football happens. Rodri will be out for a period, not just eight, nine months. As a club we have magnificent players, we will find a solution and it is what it is. "
Guardiola then went on to announce that Kevin De Bruyne is ruled out for Saturday's trip to Newcastle.
"No," he is not ready to play," maybe before the international break."
This comes as devasting news for the club and its supporters, who have come to trust and depend upon Rodri since his arrival in the team, and considering the figure he's become with the Sky Blues, his importance is definitely justified.
However, while Rodri is yet to speak out on the matter, it's understandable that this setback will be heartbreaking for the Spaniard midfielder - especially with the great form he's been on for both club and country.
But, as Pep said, while Rodri's presence can't be replaced, there are players who have immense quality and should be able to help guide the team in this unexpected situation.
With many fixtures coming up and it being too early in the season, Man City will have challenges to overcome if they win trophies without one of their top players.