Pep Guardiola said he needs to “find a solution” to the absence of Rodri from Manchester City’s midfield after the Premier League champions failed to win again without the injured Spain international against Newcastle on Saturday.
Rodri, 28, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
Prior to the trip to Newcastle, City had lost 7 of 21 Premier League games without Rodri in playing his usual defensive midfield role and, while he was suspended last season, Guardiola’s side lost back-to-back games against Newcastle and Wolves with Rodri unavailable.
But while City avoided defeat at St. James’ Park, their performance was unconvincing with a midfield of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gündogan and Rico Lewis and Guardiola said after the 1-1 draw that he is yet to work out how best to cope without Rodri.
“Guys, I know you are going to ask me all the time, but he [Rodri] is not there,” Guardiola said. “Kova[cic], Bernardo [Silva], Rico did well, but I have to find solutions. I would love Rodri to be here.
“I see my team and recognise them perfectly. We had the chances to score and in midfield we were strong. The issue was balls in behind.
“But sometimes it happens and you have to adapt. We had chances to score, but this is their [Newcastle] stadium and they had chances to score, so I’m happy.”
Guardiola, meanwhile, played down concerns over an injury to striker Erling Haaland during the first half of the game.
The Norway international received treatment on his left ankle, with some blood visible on his ripped sock as the physio sprayed the affected area.
But Haaland completed the game and Guardiola appeared unfazed by the problem when asked after the game.
“He [Haaland] has some knock,” Guardiola said. “We will see.”