Pep Guardiola offers one-word Rodri injury update as Man City left sweating

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will face a lengthy period out of action due to his knee injury.

The Spanish midfielder made an emergency trip to see specialist Dr Ramon Cugat in Spain on Monday, with some reports claiming he could miss the rest of the season due to ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments.

However, Guardiola remained tight-lipped on those reports, telling fans that the club will make an announcement once they find out how serious Rodri's injury is.

When quizzed ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Watford on Tuesday if Rodri would be out for some time, Guardiola simply confirmed: "Yep."

The City boss then added: "We're still waiting for the decision of the doctors, exactly what he has. When we know it, the club or myself, the spokesman of the club will announce it."

Rodri sustained his injury during a fiery 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday, posing a serious threat to City's ambitions of an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row.

Former Arsenal winger Paul Merson claimed his injury could play a major role in the title race, stating on Sky Sports "I think it's major,. For all the top, top drawer players Man City have got, Rodri is world-class. He gets into every other football team in the world.

"There's not many who can say that and he is one of them. He will be sorely missed because he's an exceptional player who knits it all together."

With Manchester United's opening Europa League fixture on Wednesday, Guardiola's Man City had their hands tied and were back in action a mere two days after the weekend's thriller. City had the option to play on Thursday but declined it seeing as they play on Saturday in the early kick-off.

Guardiola said in his programme notes: "Obviously, this game comes just two days after we played Arsenal. It has given us very little time to recover and prepare but it is what it is. Our desire to win is as strong as ever and I know the guys really want to win this game tonight and go through to the next round."