How Guardiola will fix Rodri's absence from Manchester City

Rodri being out of the team isn’t the first time Pep Guardiola is touring this route with Manchester City.

After midfield maestro Rodri was confirmed to be out following the ACL injury he picked up in the tense fixture versus Arsenal, narratives have surrounded how the Premier League champions will cope with the challenge of taking on Arsenal for the title.

But like with prior seasons, Pep Guardiola may have already found an unlikely solution just days after the Spanish midfielder’s ligament injury.

Swing in 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly who stepped into the spotlight during City’s Carabao Cup tie against Watford—and fans are buzzing.

Rodri’s injury scares Liverpool fans

O’Reilly, a product of City’s academy, delivered a commanding performance as a holding midfielder, prompting supporters to label him the “regen” of Rodri. With Rodri sidelined for an extended period, could this emerging talent be the key to maintaining City’s midfield dominance?

Fans are convinced: “Nico O’Reilly is ready for the first team,” wrote one supporter. Another added, “He covered the pitch like a veteran, filling in wherever needed.”

With O’Reilly rising through the ranks at just the right time, could Guardiola have found the perfect Rodri replacement from within?