Pep Guardiola reveals Mikel Arteta text exchange as Arsenal claim made after Rodri injury

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he doesn’t believe Arsenal players targeted Rodri in Sunday’s feisty Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. Rodri will reportedly miss several months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury after he was forced off in the first half of the dramatic 2-2 draw.

The 28-year-old midfield is thought to have suffered an ACL tear in his right knee, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Rodri stumbled over in pain under pressure from Thomas Partey during a corner routine and received lengthy medical attention before walking down the tunnel – supported by two members of City staff – in the 20th minute.

Just seconds into the blockbuster encounter, Rodri fell to the ground after a collision with Kai Havertz, which set the tone for a high-octane afternoon.

The initial incident in particular sparked suggestions that the 2024 Ballon d’Or frontrunner had been targeted by the visitors, who were eyeing their first win at City since 2015.

But after Guardiola watched his side edge past Watford 2-1 in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, he strongly dismissed that narrative when it was put to him.

The City boss added that he had exchanged text messages with his Arsenal counterpart, Mikel Arteta, after the match.

He also stressed that their friendship remained unaffected amid their intense rivalry at the Premier League summit.

Delving deeper into Rodri’s injury, Guardiola admitted that the Spaniard was set to be a long-term absentee, although he is still waiting on an official timescale.

“Still, we don’t have a definitive [answer]. He will be out for a long time. But there are some opinions that it will be less than we expect,” Guardiola explained.

“Right now, I can’t tell you. We’re waiting for the last phone calls and the type of surgery he needs. Tonight or tomorrow, we will know…”

He added: “When you are without the best midfielder in the world for a long time, it is a big blow. But my duty is to find a solution. When a player is irreplaceable, we have to do it as a team…”

Matheus Nunes scored his first City goal, which proved to be the winner, against Watford on Tuesday, and he could be positioned as Rodri’s natural replacement.

Guardiola heaped praise on his £53m signing after full-time, saying: “He has special qualities few players have, unique.

“With space in transition he’s unbelievable. I’m pleased for him and the goal. Still he has things to read and it’s not easy to adapt.

“I’m really pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy and lovely guys always deserves good things…”