Pep Guardiola has emphasised that despite Rodri’s shocking injury, he has a wealth of options at his disposal to support him.

The Spanish midfielder will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury against Arsenal. Initially, there were worries because of how crucial Rodri has become to Manchester City since leaving Atletico Madrid.

However, Guardiola has downplayed these rumours, claiming that he has several players who are capable of replacing the Spaniard. John Stones, a defender, will play a surprising role at the centre of City’s midfield.

In his pre-match press conference prior to this weekend’s trip to Newcastle, Guardiola stated, “Mateo Kovacic and I have a few more.” John Stones and Ilkay Gündogan are both capable of playing that position. Alternatives are available to us.

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If Stones were to be used in midfield, the defender would be accustomed to it. Guardiola has previously routinely assigned him to a more advanced duty.

He explained his function by saying, “It all comes down to learning.” While playing there, you learn to respect other people’s roles and gain new insight into their circumstances.

You understand that occasionally I might pass to a midfield player, but when you’re the one receiving it, you know that it was the incorrect pass or the incorrect position. You respect each other’s contributions to the team.

Kalvin Phillips is one individual that City will not have available to them in the upcoming campaign. It was reported that he could be called up from his loan spell at newly promoted Ipswich.

However, the Tractor Boys have stated that the agreement does not include a recall option, therefore that will not be feasible. Guardiola has hinted that Rodri might not reach his peak again for a few seasons at least in the interim.

“We don’t want it, but in football it happens,” he continued. It’s unfortunate that the injury takes eight or nine months to heal, but you won’t be prepared in a month. Muscular injuries follow, so you need to exercise caution.

“Muscular issues definitely arise the year following a nine-month ACL injury. It’s longer [than nine months] because of this. Not only will Rodri be at his peak after nine months, but that’s the way I see it. We will work out a solution and watch what transpires since we have outstanding players.