Manchester City midfielder Rodri could miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season after he suffered an injury to his knee on Sunday, in the Premier League match against Arsenal. The Spanish star, who had only just returned from a hamstring injury, was withdrawn after only 66 minutes. Reports on Monday confirmed that he had suffered a blow to his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
What Is an ACL Injury?
In fact, when an athlete suffers an ACL injury, one of the knee’s primary ligaments is either torn or sprained. This ligament connects the thigh bone to the shinbone, providing stability to the knee-a stabilizing factor whenever an athlete makes those rapid movements-quick changes in direction and jumping. After the injury, the athlete will often describe the feeling of a sudden “pop” or catching in the knee followed by immediate pain, swelling and a difficult time walking afterwards.
Treatment For ACL
Treatment for an ACL injury largely depends on the extent of the tear. Mild cases can recover by resting and using exercises in physical therapy. More severe tears however, like Rodri’s, often can’t heal and must be treated with surgery. Surgeons replaced the damaged ACL with a graft from inside the patient’s body. Rehabilitation is slow and generally takes up to 6-12 months of rehabs before the player can return to action.
Blow for Manchester City
Rodri’s injury is a massive setback for Manchester City, whose season already had all the struggle they need to go through. Rodri was unavailable for Manchester City’s opening two matches of the campaign with a hamstring issue and has only managed 66 minutes of football this season prior to the latest injury.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
