Manchester City suffer major injury scare in dramatic 2-2 draw against Arsenal

Manchester City’s pulsating 2-2 draw with Arsenal is a game that will live long in the memory as John Stones’ dramatic injury-time equaliser preserved the team’s long unbeaten run at home.

But the engrossing affair had a sour note for City as the influential Rodri was replaced in the 21st minute due to injury.

It was an innocuous moment for the Spaniard midfielder, who dropped to the ground after a minor coming together with Jurrien Timber in the box. Rodri immediately grabbed the back of his knee and seemed to be in real discomfort.

Despite walking off, there was no attempt from the player to return to the pitch and he shook his head forlornly as he made his way down the touchline.

Asked about the injury after the game, Pep Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet. I have not asked the doctors.

“Rodri is a strong man and he leaves the pitch because he feels something. Otherwise he stays there. He is the best holding midfielder in the world and a potential Ballon d’Or winner. But we have to handle it.”

Handling Rodri’s absence has been an issue for City in recent years. The Blues lost all three Premier League games without the former Villarreall man last season - the only matches they were beaten in during the 2024/25 campaign.

City have been better this season, however, with Rodri unavailable for the first three games of the term through a separate injury. Regardless, it’s unlikely the 28-year-old will be in the team when City take on Watford on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup.

As for Sunday’s game, after taking the lead via Erling Haaland, City found themselves behind at the break following goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel. Leandro Trossard received a second yellow at the end of a crazy opening 45 minutes, forcing Arsenal to defend deep after the break.

They looked to have held on until Stones poked the ball past David Raya from a corner in the seventh minute of added-on time, in what was a scrappy, ill-tempered affair between the league’s top two.