Manchester City are going to be without Rodri against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Magpies face the Premier League champions at St James’ Park this weekend, but Pep Guardiola is going to be without some key players.
Kevin de Bruyne is a doubt to face Newcastle, while Rodri looks set to be unavailable as well.
The Euro 2024 winner was taken off early against Arsenal on Sunday, and Guardiola was worried about Rodri and his knee problem.
Now it has been reported by ESPN that Rodri could be out for the season, which is a major blow for Manchester City. The 28-year-old is a pivotal player for Guardiola’s side, yet his season might be over after just one Premier League start.
The thought of facing Manchester City without Rodri would ordinarily help Newcastle United on Saturday, but it might end up being a problem for the Magpies in the long run.
Bruno Guimaraes was linked with Manchester City in the summer
Man City always struggle to replace Rodri when he is unavailable. They do not have proper cover for him, with Mateo Kovacic likely to fill in. While the 30-year-old is an outstanding player, he does not have the same skill set as Rodri.
Rodri’s absence could force Manchester City to utilise the transfer market to bring in another midfielder, and that is why Newcastle United should be worried.
Bruno Guimaraes was a target for Manchester City during the summer, with Toon officials fearful that the 26-year-old would leave St James’ Park.
However, the Brazilian remained on Tyneside. Manchester City would not activate Bruno’s £100million release clause, despite rating the midfielder extremely highly.
In fact, their assessment of Bruno is now very concerning following the news that Rodri has suffered a long term injury.
The Athletic reported during the summer transfer window that Manchester City believe Bruno is capable of directly replacing Rodri.
However, they add that there were concerns about signing another centre-midfielder, while the £100million release clause was too much.
Manchester City suddenly need Bruno Guimaraes more
Now Manchester City are short of a midfielder, while they need someone to take Rodri’s place in the middle of the park for the rest of the season.
That could make Bruno even more appealing, which is a major concern ahead of the January transfer window.
It was reported during the summer that Man City think Bruno wants to join them, and there will now be a fear that their theory could be put to the test.
Hopefully Man City find a way to cope during Rodri’s absence without having to splash out on Bruno and steal Newcastle United’s most influential midfielder.
Bruno Guimaraes is not playing well right now
And the news about Rodri comes at an interesting time.
Newcastle United face Manchester City on Saturday, meaning they will have an immediate chance to see Bruno close up and determine whether or not he really is suitable to fill in for Rodri.
And the fixture also comes at a time when Bruno is struggling for form. The Newcastle United captain has not enjoyed a great start to the season, while Bruno apologised for making a major error during the 3-1 defeat to Fulham.
Eddie Howe desperately needs Bruno to re-find his form – ideally in time for Saturday’s game against Manchester City. However, the fear will be that he plays so well that Manchester City decide they need to buy him!
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