Man City given major Rodri injury concern after tackle in Club World Cup final

The Man City midfielder had to be taken off 15 minutes from the end after being on the receiving end of forceful challenge.

Manchester City are sweating over the fitness of Rodri after the Spaniard had to be taken off with an ankle injury in Friday's Club World Cup final.

A reckless challenge from Fluminense midfielder Alexsander left Rodri needing treatment after the tackle trapped the right leg during the collision. Rodri played on for another minute, in which Phil Foden made it 3-0 to City.

But the pivot went down again soon afterwards with an anguished look on his face before being replaced by Manuel Akanji. City have lost all four matches Rodri has been absent for this season amid red and yellow card suspensions.

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He has been branded by many as the team’s most crucial player as a result. Rodri, who has not lost a club game this season, may join Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the injury list ahead of Everton on December 27.

City ran out 4-0 Club World Cup final winners to complete the all-time set of elite club silverware thanks to a double from Julian Alvarez and a Foden strike either side of Nino's own goal. However, the Blues will be concerned about the long-term welfare of Rodri, who was described as the best defensive midfielder in the world by his manager in September.

Guardiola's side have had no problem scoring this season but have looked particularly vulnerable defensively when Rodri has been absent.

The 27-year-old has also helped out with goals, having tallied four strikes this season along with six assists. His goal in June's Champions League final meant City subsequently entered this year's Club World Cup.