Man City must find a solution to the absence of Rodri – Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola said he needed to “find a solution” to the absence of Rodri from Manchester City’s midfield after the Premier League champions failed to win against Newcastle again without the injured Spain international on Saturday.

Rodri, 28, is out for the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Before the trip to Newcastle, City had lost 7 of 21 Premier League games without Rodri playing his usual defensive midfield role, and while he was suspended last season, Guardiola’s side lost two games in a row against Newcastle and Wolves, with Rodri was not available.

But while City avoided defeat at St James’ Park, their performance with a midfield of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis was unconvincing and Guardiola said after the 1-1 draw that he had not yet figured out how he gets along best without Rodri.

“Guys, I know you’re going to ask me all the time, but he (Rodri) isn’t there,” Guardiola said. “Kova (cic), Bernardo (Silva) and Rico did well, but I have to find solutions. I would be happy if Rodri were here.”

“I see my team and recognize them perfectly. We had chances to score and we were strong in midfield. The problem was the balls in the back.”

“But sometimes it happens and you have to adapt. We had chances to score but this is their stadium (Newcastle) and they had chances to score so I’m happy.”

Guardiola, meanwhile, played down concerns about striker Erling Haaland being injured in the first half of the game.

The Norway international received treatment on his left ankle. Some blood was visible on his torn sock as the physical therapist sprayed the affected area.

But Haaland finished the game and Guardiola appeared unfazed by the issue when asked about the game.

“He (Haaland) has a lot to offer,” said Guardiola. “We’ll see.”