Guardiola seeks solutions after Manchester City’s struggles without Rodri

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City must “find a solution” to the absence of Rodri, after the side’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

Rodri, sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury in his right knee during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal, has been a vital figure in the team’s midfield.

Without him, City’s record has been shaky, losing seven of the 21 Premier League games in which he has been absent.

In the match against Newcastle, Guardiola fielded a midfield trio of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gündogan and Rico Lewis.

However, the performance lacked the cohesion typically provided by Rodri in his defensive midfield role.

While City avoided defeat at St. James’ Park, Guardiola acknowledged that the team did not play with their usual fluency.