By Aaior K. Comfort

Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. The injury, confirmed after medical tests on Monday, affects his right knee.

Rodri, who played only 21 minutes in his first start of the season, was forced off the pitch following heavy tackles from Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey. The Spanish international is expected to undergo surgery in Barcelona, according to ESPN reports.

This injury marks the longest absence in Rodri’s career, as he has previously missed only eight matches for both club and country. His absence will be a major blow for the Premier League champions, who dropped points for the first time this season following the draw, although they remain at the top of the table with 13 points. Arsenal, still unbeaten, sit 4th with 11 points.