Champions will miss their midfield linchpin but Rico Lewis is a versatile ball-winner who could step in and shine

By Ben McAleer for WhoScored?

It was the news Manchester City feared – Rodri may miss the rest of the season. Only 21 minutes into his first Premier League start of the campaign, the Spaniard went down clutching his right knee. The sight of their midfield linchpin on the ground in agony is what supporters feared most – and the signs are that the 28-year-old has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage.

While City haven’t exactly been underwhelming in the absence of Rodri – they have made an unbeaten start to the season after all – over the course of a season, Pep Guardiola will sorely miss the brain of his side. The return of Ilkay Gündogan eases the absence of Rodri but it’s the emergence of another player that will be a boost to City.