Man City rocked by season-ending injury as surgery scheduled ahead of Newcastle United game

Rodri was forced off just 21 minutes into Man City’s 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday evening. Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet. I have not asked the doctors.

“Rodri is a strong man and he leaves the pitch because he feels something. Otherwise he stays there. He is the best holding midfielder in the world and a potential Ballon d’Or winner. But we have to handle it.”

The Spaniard was assessed further on Monday and as per ESPN has suffered an ACL tear in his right knee. He is likely to undergo surgery in Barcelona ahead of City’s Premier League clash away to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt for the visit to St James’ Park.

The English champions are back in action little over 48 hours after the Arsenal draw when they face Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow.

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Guardiola is expected to heavily rotate his squad for the tie with several youngsters and fringe members likely to be handed starts. However, De Bruyne won’t be one of those changes.

“I don’t think it will be long, but was not able today [against Arsenal]. I would not say Watford, I don’t know Newcastle but it will not be long,” the City boss said ahead of the Hornets clash.

De Bruyne picked up the injury in last week’s Champions League draw against Inter Milan and he was withdrawn at half-time.