Manchester City has identified Adam Wharton and Martin Zubimendi as their primary candidates to take Rodri’s place in January.

According to The Daily Mail, City had intended to recruit a new player in the summer, but Rodri’s anterior cruciate ligament injury has caused them to consider spending money in January. Real Sociedad star Zubimendi and Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton are on the list.

In February of this year, 20-year-old Wharton relocated to Palace from Blackburn. He has already been connected to City and Liverpool. Zubimendi is no different. He nearly moved to Anfield last summer and has been linked to both teams.

Since he injured himself against Arsenal on September 22 and had to miss the remainder of the season, Rodri has not played. City has had a horrible run of five losses and one tie in their last six games, despite winning their following four games.

On Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s club will meet Liverpool in an attempt to snap their awful run. At the top of the Premier League, Liverpool is eight points ahead of them.