Rodri screams in pain and fights back tears as Manchester City star goes off injured against Arsenal

Manchester City star midfielder Rodri was fighting back tears after suffering a worrying injury during his side's Premier League match against Arsenal.

The 28-year-old attempted to get on the end of a corner and clashed with Thomas Partey, before falling and appearing distressed as he sat on the turf holding his knee, his loud cry of pain picked up by pitchside microphones.

A stretcher had been prepared for the Spanish international to leave the pitch, but he had to leave in favour of the physio, replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

VAR checked the collision between Rodri and Partey but ruled the Ghanaian had committed no offence and play resumed later, with hosts City in front but without their influential metronome.

He returned to the starting XI after an extended rest, following his excursions at Euro 2024, and watched a brilliant rotation from Savinho create an attack for Erling Haaland who pushed the ball past David Raya for the opening goal.

However, with Rodri off the pitch, Arsenal took a quick free-kick and Riccardo Calafiori curled a shot in from outside the area to leave the Etihad angry.

Kyle Walker was taken out of position by referee Anthony Taylor for a chat before play resumed, prompting Pep Guardiola to kick his chair in frustration.

Rodri, who played 64 times for club and country last season, has called for a change to the football calendar to protect players' welfare.

He even warned that top professionals could go on strike to force the necessary changes: “I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it is something general.

“I think if you ask any player they will tell you the same thing, it's not Rodri's opinion or anything. I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it continues like this there will be a time when we have no other option, I really think so, but we'll see.”

“I don't know what's going to happen, but it's something that worries us because we are the ones who are suffering.”

Rodri's comments only carry more weight after such a resilient player suffered an injury, with City fearing the worst that he could miss a significant chunk of the season.

Guardiola has no replacement in his squad, with Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis the options to replace Rodri if he is sidelined.