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5 players Manchester City can replace the injured Rodri with

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Rodri ACL injury Manchester City replacements

The injury of Rodri came as a massive shock for Manchester City fans. Their key CDM had torn his ACL in the early minutes of their heated clash with Arsenal and will be out for the remainder of the season.

The Spaniard, ever since his arrival, has brought a calming yet commanding presence in the Citizens’ midfield. He is also one of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or this year. Just a few games into the 2024-25 season, City have a massive headache to solve – replace Rodri. Here are 5 players Manchester City can look to, for replacing the injured Spaniard.

Adam Wharton

The young English midfielder joined Crystal Palace only on the 1st of February, 2024. In no time, Wharton has earned the plaudits of analysts and fans alike. A key part of Palace now, Wharton might be a valuable addition if the Citizens manage to sign him next window. Although not as tall as Rodri, Wharton does have decent aerial abilities and can also play as an 8.

Martin Zubimendi

A target among the top teams of the EPL, Arsenal and Liverpool, Martin Zubimendi has been Real Sociedad through and through. Rising through their youth ranks, Zubimendi has made over 150 appearances in La Liga for Sociedad. While Liverpool came close to signing him, they are reported to be still interested in the Spaniard. It will be interesting to see if City join the race to sign Zubimendi.

Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves celebrates after scoring for Wolves. (Getty Images)
Ruben Neves celebrates after scoring for Wolves. (Getty Images)

Ruben Neves has been tried and tested in the English Premier League. The 27-year-old, chasing the bag, left for Saudi Arabia in 2023. He now plays for Al-Hilal. With the financial backing they have, the Citizens can lure the former Wolves man to their club.

Bruno Guimaraes

Although slightly more attacking than Rodri, the Newcastle United midfielder was linked with Manchester City this summer. The only reason the blue side of Manchester couldn’t sign him is because of his massive 100m EUR release clause. Given their recent contact, City might attempt to sign the Brazilian again.

Frenkie de Jong

Manchester City have never set sights on Frenkie de Jong. In fact, only the other side of Manchester have. The Dutchman has forever been on the radar of the Red Devils. However, it will not hurt City to try and lure him to the blue side of Manchester. The only thing that would stop de Jong from leaving is the fact that how well-settled he is at Barcelona.

Honorable mention

Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips Mesut Ozil
Kalvin Phillips takes on Mesut Ozil in the 2019-20 FA Cup (Image credit: Getty)

The experienced CDM is still a part of Manchester City, but he is on loan to newly-promoted Ipswich Town. The Citizens do have the option to recall him right away, which might come along with a few contractual implications. However, given the Englishman’s recent poor run of form, especially his horrid showing at previous loan club West Ham United, he might not be a primary option.

Crystal Palace

Manchester United pull Emma Watson from Crystal Palace loan midway through season

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Emma Watson

Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.

The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.

Crystal Palace Development Period

Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.

https://twitter.com/MUMUfootball/status/2010708707273838950

She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.

https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2010668076828705188

Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window

Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.

The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsWSL/status/1707000069956747669

Uncertain Future Path

Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.

Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV

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Crystal Palace midfielder departs after starring role in WSL promotion campaign

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Shanade Hopcroft

Crystal Palace have announced the departure of midfielder Shanade Hopcroft, who leaves the club at the end of her contract. The 28 year old previously signed a short term extension at the start of the season but will now seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Hopcroft joined Crystal Palace in summer 2023 after leaving capital rivals London City Lionesses. The midfielder played a starring role as The Eagles won the Barclays WSL2 title in 2023-24, securing long awaited promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League.

https://twitter.com/EagleEyeView29/status/2008878534153179258

Injury Struggles Limited Top Flight Appearances

Hopcroft’s top tier game time was severely limited after suffering rotten luck with injuries. She was able to turn out for Crystal Palace in the WSL on just three occasions before the club’s relegation back to the Championship.

https://twitter.com/CHINEMEREMMA993/status/2008834933532594234

The midfielder has been a regular in the Crystal Palace side this season and returned to good form. She helped the team gradually get their season back on track after an initial slow start to the campaign, leaving South London off the back of a three match winning run in WSL2.

Next Move Unknown for In Form Midfielder

Hopcroft’s next career move is not yet known, however she will not be short of offers for her services given her performances in the Championship. The experienced midfielder has proven herself capable at both WSL2 and top flight level when fit.

https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2008833488028594411

Crystal Palace will need to replace Hopcroft’s experience in midfield as they look to mount another promotion challenge. The Eagles currently sit mid table in the Championship after recovering from their difficult start to the season following immediate relegation from the WSL.

https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2008147215395483894

Also read: Top Women’s Football Free Agents in 2026 as Lucy Bronze, Bunny Shaw and Georgia Stanway Among Stars With Expiring Contracts

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Questions raised over Ruesha Littlejohn ban as similar incidents escaped punishment

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Ruesha Littlejohn

Crystal Palace forward Ruesha Littlejohn is facing a longer ban than the standard three match suspension for violent conduct following her red card against Leicester City.

The BBC reports the former Arsenal striker could receive an extended punishment, raising questions about FA consistency given past incidents involving serious injuries went unpunished.

https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/1993722667887694092

Littlejohn received a red card after getting her arm around opponent Cain’s neck during a melee involving six players. However, only the Scottish international was sent off despite five other players being involved in the incident, with no bookings issued to anyone else.

Inconsistent Application of Rules

The sequence began when Blanchard and McLoughlin tangled up, leading to a foul. Kicking on the floor followed before Tierney arrived pushing Blanchard down. Littlejohn pushed Cain, who reacted by pushing back while Tierney and Blanchard wrestled.

Littlejohn then got her hand around Cain’s neck before being simultaneously tripped by McLoughlin and pushed by teammate Nolan.

While the red card is justified, the FA should also charge both teams for failing to control their players given six were involved in the melee. The referee’s decision to not book the other five participants lacks logical consistency.

Past Leg Breakers Avoided Extended Bans

The FA’s approach contrasts sharply with past incidents involving Aaron Ramsey, Eduardo and Petr Cech. The player who fractured Cech’s skull received no ban despite the severity, while attacks on Eduardo and Ramsey resulted in mere three match suspensions.

Where is the consistency? Two players sent Littlejohn flying while she had her arm around Cain’s neck, creating a dangerous situation. How is this different from going full power against an opponent’s leg or head? PGMOL remains lenient on fouling and both organizations fail to adequately protect players’ physical integrity.

Also read: How Long Has Ruesha Littlejohn Been Banned for After Wild Takedown as FA Deems Standard Punishment “Clearly Insufficient”

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