Ex-Man City captain Micah Richards believes the injury sustained by Rodri could jeopardise his former team’s chances of winning the Premier League this season.
It has been confirmed that the Ballon d’Or winner will not return to fitness before the international break in September, having not played since sustaining a groin injury against Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup. Asked about Pep Guardiola’s side’s prospects of finishing top of table, Richards cited the absence of Rodri as a big setback:
“If Rodri had been fit, I think they could have gone to the wire, but it doesn’t look like he’s going to be fit until maybe October. I think that changes the narrative with them, just because he’s pivotal in what they do in terms of stopping counter-attacks. But Tijjani Reijnders from Milan is a really good player, he can play in Number 6, he can play in Number 8 as well, he’s scored a couple of goals in pre-season.”
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“So I’d look at that area of the pitch, the boy Nico Gonzalez last season, it’s not really happened for him in that Number 6 role, he’s more of a Number 8. Rayan Cherki as well, he’s a player who can impact the game, can play at number 10, can play the right, can play the left, wonderful left foot, he’s both footed, he takes corners with his right foot and his left foot.”
Richards names his”favourites” to win the title
Assessing the other title contenders, the Sky Sports and BBC pundit said he could not look past the reigning champions, despite also talking up the likes of Chelsea:
“Liverpool will be there, I think they will be my favourites this year. I think Chelsea look strong after watching the Club World Cup. And we’ve been talking about Arsenal for a while now in terms of needing a striker, I still think they’re a little bit short on the left-hand side. I think Martinelli’s an impact player rather than a starter.”
The bookmakers have sided with Richards. Most have priced Liverpool at 7/4, while betting firms have the Cityzens third favourites behind Arsenal.
Rodri has suffered two major injuries inside 12 months
The Spanish international’s absence is undoubtedly a big blow for City. He missed the majority of last season with an ACL injury, which kept him out between September and June.
Rodri returned for the Club World Cup, but as already mentioned, the groin problem he picked up against Al-Hilal looks set to keep him on the treatment table for the best part of two and a half months.
Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here