Man City make big transfer decision after Rodri injury

Manchester City host Championship side Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

The Citizens won six League Cups between 2014 and 2021 but haven’t won the trophy since, and manager Pep Guardiola will be desperate to regain their title.

The Hornets had started the new season in sensational form – winning five consecutive matches – but they have failed to win any of their last three.

One player that won’t be involved on Tuesday is midfielder Rodri, who was forced off injured during City’s draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

BBC Sport claims that the midfielder is set to be sidelined for a prolonged period of time, and Football Insider suggests that the bombshell has prompted City to rethink their transfer plans.

The report claims that the reigning Premier League champions will now look to sign a new defensive midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January.

Rodri is set to miss several months after suffering an injury against Arsenal on Sunday

Rodri, who was making his third appearance of the season against the Gunners on Sunday, was withdrawn midway through the first half with City 1-0 ahead, but his team found themselves trailing at the break.

the report claims that Guardiola is now keen to bolster his midfield options following the 28-year-old’s injury.

Rodri joined City from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since been a crucial cog in the Manchester City machine, making more than 250 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Mateo Kovacic, who replaced the Spaniard on Sunday, is likely to fill the void left by Rodri in the interim.

The report claims, though, that Guardiola is keen to add a new midfielder to his squad during the mid-season window.

Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes are other players that could be deployed in Rodri’s role during his absence.