Manchester City midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season after initial tests showed he sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, according to reports.
The 28-year-old was substituted midway through the first half at the Etihad Stadium after what appeared to be minor contact from Thomas Partey, and was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
All three of City’s defeats during their historic fourth consecutive Premier League title-winning season last campaign came without the Spain international in the team, underlining the importance of his role in Pep Guardiola’s side.
He is due to undergo further tests but it is reported that early indications show his season could be over after only five league games.
Guardiola, whose team moved back to the top of the table after John Stones’ stoppage-time equaliser against the Gunners, has Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan as possible stand-ins, while England international Rico Lewis can also play in the role.
Speaking after Sunday’s match about the likely severity of Rodri’s injury, Guardiola said: "I don’t know yet. I didn’t speak with the doctors.
"Rodri is a strong man. If he leaves the pitch, then he felt something, otherwise he stays there."
Also arising from the game, Ian Wright branded Erling Haaland a "coward" as the fall-out continued from one of the most combustible Premier League showdowns of recent times.
Former Gunners striker Wright did not hold back with his criticism of Haaland, who celebrated Stones' leveller in the eighth minute of added time by throwing the ball at the back of defender Gabriel’s head.
The Brazil international had his shirt pulled over his head in disappointment at the time and Wright, speaking via a video message on his Instagram account, said: "You know what proper boiled me up, was Haaland’s coward’s move.
"Throwing the ball in Gaby’s head when he’s not looking, when Gaby’s back’s turned to him, a real coward’s move.
"That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you (Haaland) were bigger than that."
The Football Association confirmed that Haaland will face no further action over the incident. The FA is powerless to intervene because it was reviewed via VAR at the time, and not deemed to be a red card offence.
The controversy continued after the final whistle as Haaland was overhead calling former City striker Gabriel Jesus a "f***ing clown" before a tension-filled handshake with Mikel Arteta, with Haaland telling the Gunners boss to "stay humble".
Follow the RTÉ Sport WhatsApp channel for the best news, interviews, analysis and features, as well as details of our sports coverage across all RTÉ platforms.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
