Rodri limps off just 20 minutes into Brentford clash

Manchester City are sweating on the severity of an injury to Rodri after he limped off against Brentford.

Just 20 minutes into the game, the Spaniard was seen feeling his hamstring and eventually sat on the turf as it became clear he would have to be replaced.

Rodri was out for almost the entirety of last season with a torn ACL, making this latest setback even more painful.

He missed the game against Burnley as a precaution to manage the load of the knee with City playing three times in a week.

And Rodri then only played 60 minutes of the 2-2 Champions League draw with Monaco. But it was not the knee that appeared to be troubling the former Ballon d'Or winner on Sunday.

He was seen feeling the back of his leg and looked glum as he sank to the ground before Nico Gonzalez was brought on in his stead.

Earlier this week, Guardiola said: 'Rodri could not play three days before because his knee was in a bad condition.

'That’s why Nico in those [last] 30 minutes [against Monaco], he was the player that won more balls recovered, and we concede less in the transition, than when Rodri was playing in the first half.

'I’d love to tell you yes because Rodri wasn’t on the pitch we conceded the goal but I can’t prove that because if I felt it, Rodri would be on the pitch.

He continued: 'Rodri cannot play in certain moments and 90 minutes for many games and Nico played really good against Burnley and he’s learning and improving. We need him.

'Rodri can’t sustain yet the rhythm for games for 90 minutes, he made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli and especially Arsenal.

Guardiola also said he does not expect Rodri to be back to his top level until next year's World Cup.

He explained: 'I said to Rodri, maybe he’s struggled to understand that this is not about six or seven months. "I’m back, I’ll play and I’ll be like the Rodri from before" – no!

'Rodri will be good at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, next season – he will be the best Rodri. This season, it will be how you handle it, step by step. It’s normal.

'For one year, he’s been on the massage table. The body changes, the rhythm changes and everything. It’s a question of time. He will be back.'

The concern for City will be that this is a fresh injury to what appears to be the hamstring rather than knee as his body adjusts to playing regularly again.

No doubt the club will take plenty of care in easing him back as they nervously await the extent of the damage.