Premier League leaders Manchester City will be without influential midfielder Rodri when they travel to face Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
The Spaniard is expected to miss the remainder of the current campaign after suffering a ligament injury during last weekend’s draw against title rivals Arsenal at The Etihad.
Manager Pep Guardiola has several options to choose from to replace Rodri – including Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes – but his absence will undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title this term.
In the wake of Rodri’s injury, City appear to have made a big decision on their transfer strategy.
As per GiveMeSport, City will not recall Kalvin Phillips from his loan spell at Ipswich Town following the injury to Rodri.
Phillips – who joined the Tractor Boys on a season-long loan over the summer – would have been an obvious replacement for Rodri if he was still part of Guardiola’s squad, and it had been suggested that the England international could be recalled.
Instead, City have plans in place to sell the 28-year-old when he returns to Manchester at the end of the season, and they aren’t willing to change their plans.
Philips joined the Citizens from boyhood club Leeds United in 2022 but endured a frustrating first season at The Etihad, starting just two Premier League matches.
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