Last season, Manchester City showcased their ability to keep the pressure in the title race despite suffering major injuries — making their triumph all the more impressive.
When Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were both sidelined with injuries for months, fair questions would have been posed about whether City could win the Premier League without the devastating duo.
Especially considering how impactful De Bruyne and Haaland were in the Sky Blues’ title triumph in the 2022/2023 season.
John Stones and Jack Grealish, who were incredibly crucial to Manchester City’s treble triumph also picked up major injuries that derailed their respective seasons.
Yet, City reigned supreme in the title race; which was a testament to the quality of their squad as well as Pep Guardiola being the outstanding manager he is.
Guardiola perhaps reminded his squad that in previous seasons, they have managed to win major silverware despite some of their crucial players being unavailable due to injury.
Manchester City’s players rose to the challenge of beating teams of the calibre of Arsenal and Liverpool instead of accepting that injuries to some of their biggest names would mean their fate was decided already.
But as the Gunners and the Reds will be looking to usurp City, the Premier League winners will have to ensure that keep a majority of the spine of their team fit until the end of the season.
Darren Bent makes fresh claim about Man City midfielder Rodri
Otherwise, either Mikel Arteta or Arne Slot could take advantage of Manchester City’s injuries and lead their respective sides to a league title.
The same applies to the likes of Ange Postecoglou, Enzo Maresca, Unai Emery and Erik ten Hag, who will also be aiming for the stars in the upcoming 2024/2025 campaign.
As Manchester City look to make more history, not just in the Premier League but across all competitions next season, Darren Bent has stressed the importance of Rodri not getting injured for them.
On talkSPORT, Bent said about the £62.5 million man: “For me, the one player they can’t afford to lose is Rodri. If they lose him, then there’s a problem. That guy, he just doesn’t lose games. Full stop. Do you know what I mean? So, if they lose him, you go, oh my goodness.”
Ray Parlour stated Rodri’s importance is to the extent that Manchester City could be in a “little bit of trouble” if he picks up a knock as well.
In July, it was reported that City’s “biggest aim” is to sign a backup to Rodri in the summer.
A major injury to Rodri could destroy Manchester City’s season
It is difficult to disagree with Darren Bent about how important Rodri is to this Manchester City side as they embark on a journey to win their fifth league title in succession.
Unlike in other positions of the pitch where a player could fill in by playing in an unfamiliar position, City lack the presence of such a figure who can do so as a number six since Ilkay Gundogan’s exit.
If Manchester City fail to bring in a top-quality defensive midfielder once again this summer, they could risk Rodri suffering an injury after having picked up a knock at half-time in Spain’s 2-1 win against England in the final of Euro 2024.
The midfield battle is what tends to decide a majority of games and if the Spaniard is ruled out for a significant stretch next season, their hopes of winning the Premier League or the Champions League could be under jeopardy.