MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City was handed its latest injury blow after Rodri was forced to leave the field in the first half of Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The influential midfielder limped off in the 20th minute at the Etihad Stadium after appearing to hurt his right knee when jostling with Arsenal's Thomas Partey in the box.
The Spain international had already been floored after a collision with Kai Havertz right after kickoff.
“Rodri is a strong man. If he leaves the pitch ... it is because he felt something, otherwise Rodri would stay there," City manager Pep Guardiola said after the 2-2 draw, but added that he did not know the extent of the injury.
Defending champion City was already without Kevin De Bruyne for the match after he was hurt in the Champions League game against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Rodri was treated on the field and looked in discomfort as he made his way to the locker room.
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Manchester City's Rodri lays on the pitch after collision during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's Rodri receives treatment during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City's Rodri is injured next to Arsenal's Thomas Partey during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
MADRID (AP) — Barcelona extended its perfect start to the Spanish league season but lost goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen with a serious knee injury on Sunday.
Barcelona routed host Villarreal 5-1 to pick up its sixth straight victory in the competition, but saw Ter Stegen leave the match on a stretcher just before halftime after his right knee buckled when he fell awkwardly after going up for a ball crossed into the area.
It was the latest injury to Hansi Flick's Barcelona, which is already without Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Ronald Araujo, among others.
Robert Lewandowski scored a pair of first-half goals and Raphinha added two after the interval, with Pablo Torre also scoring for the Catalan club in the second half.
Barcelona has outscored its opponents 22-5 in its first six games. It has a four-point lead over Real Madrid, which beat Espanyol on Saturday.
In other results Sunday, Getafe and Leganes drew 1-1 and Athletic Bilbao defeated Celta Vigo 3-1.
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Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, front, celebrates at the end of a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Villarreal at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Barcelona won the game 5-1.(AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Villarreal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's Jules Kounde controls a ball during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Villarreal at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's Pablo Torre, center, celebrates with teammates after he scoring his side's 3rd goal against Villarreal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz
Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring his side's 4th goal against Villarreal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates after scoring his side's 4th goal against Villarreal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates with Lamine Yamal after scoring his side's 5th goal against Villarreal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is removed from the pitch on a stretcher after picking up an injury during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Villarreal at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is removed from the pitch on a stretcher after picking up an injury during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Villarreal at the La Cerámica stadium in Villarreal, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
