LONDON (Reuters) – Premier League frontrunners Manchester City will face a significant challenge as they prepare to confront Newcastle United on Saturday without their influential midfielder, Rodri. Rivals eye this moment as a potential turning point, eager to see if the Spaniard’s absence could expose a vulnerability in the reigning champions.

Manchester City confirmed that the 28-year-old midfield dynamo sustained ligament damage in his right knee during last Sunday’s intense 2-2 draw against Arsenal. While no specific recovery timeline has been given, it appears likely that Rodri will be sidelined for several months.

This development poses a substantial problem for City manager Pep Guardiola, who must now devise a strategy to compensate for the loss of one of his key players. Statistical data underscores Rodri’s importance to the team: Manchester City are demonstrably stronger with him on the field. Last season, all three of City’s Premier League defeats occurred in Rodri’s absence. Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, Rodri has missed 21 Premier League games, with City losing seven of those matches—a loss rate of 33%. In stark contrast, with Rodri playing, the loss rate plummets to just 10.9%.

Guardiola has often described Rodri as irreplaceable but remains committed to finding a solution. “Last season, we were three months without Erling Haaland and five months without Kevin De Bruyne, yet we still found ways to win,” Guardiola remarked following City’s 2-1 League Cup victory against Watford on Tuesday.

Newcastle United, currently in sixth place, will provide a formidable test for City, who have accumulated 13 points from their first five games. Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has expressed concern that Rodri’s injury could significantly impact City’s quest for a fifth consecutive title. “There isn’t anyone better in world football than Rodri at what he does,” Shearer told Betfair. “His absence is a huge blow for Man City, and there’s no doubt it will affect their title hopes.”

Any misstep by City against Newcastle could open the door for other contenders like Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal, or even Chelsea to seize the top spot. Liverpool, sitting in second place with 12 points alongside Villa, will face bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s evening kickoff. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will travel to 17th-placed Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Fourth-placed Arsenal, holding 11 points after their recent clash with City, will host Leicester City, one of six clubs yet to secure a victory this season. Arsenal will again be without their injured captain Martin Odegaard, and Leandro Trossard remains unavailable following his red card at The Etihad Stadium last weekend.

Chelsea, currently with 10 points, aim to extend their promising form as they welcome seventh-placed Brighton and Hove Albion. Additionally, Manchester United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at home on Sunday.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)