Manchester City take on Arsenal in a massive Premier League fixture on Sunday but will be without Rodri again.
Football is never quite as simple as it looks. It's a team game and every action, be they positive or negative, is always in relation to another player. Context is everything and most of the time it's not just one man who makes all the difference. But, then again, the difference between City's displays with and without Rodri make it seem like the simplest thing in the world.
It always felt like the goal was coming as City were constantly getting into dangerous areas, maintaining possession for long stretches and limiting Leipzig's opportunities. Against Wolves they were repeatedly losing the ball after a few passes and getting caught in the transition time and time again.
The problem is, though, that he is once again unavailable for Sunday's massive clash with Arsenal. The title will not be won or lost in October but momentum and confidence is everything, and winning the first encounter between the top two contenders would be a significant boost. Rico Lewis is a big possibility. The youngster was sensational in midfield against Leipzig and perhaps just as responsible for the win as Rodri. But that was in an advanced role rather than a defensive one.
Bernardo, then either Kovacic, Nunes or Lewis seems the most likely candidates for the trip to the Emirates but there is one more wildcard option Guardiola consider - John Stones.
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