Manchester City misses Rodrigo Hernández, but the team has learned to move forward without him. Since the Spanish midfielder suffered a cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season, Pep Guardiola’s side has played five matches, winning four and drawing one. However, the coach has made it clear that there is no natural replacement for Rodri, and his approach over the last few games reflects that idea.  

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In three Premier League matches without Rodri, City drew against Newcastle (1-1) and won against Fulham (3-2) and Wolverhampton (1-2). They also thrashed Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League (0-4) and beat Watford in the League Cup (2-1) with several rotations. The initial duo of Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic only appeared in the first game against Newcastle, but Lewis had to return to right-back due to Kyle Walker’s injury.  

Kovacic has stepped into the holding role with remarkable performances. With three Premier League goals, he has already surpassed his best scoring season since 2014-15 with Inter Milan. In just one year with City, he has matched the six goals he scored during five seasons at Chelsea and doubled the three goals he netted for Real Madrid. Although Kovacic lacks Rodri’s defensive prowess and passing ability, he has performed reliably after joining the club for €29 million.  

Guardiola has also used Gündogan in a more attacking role, while Matheus Nunes has had limited minutes. As they await the return of Walker and Kevin de Bruyne, Kovacic has become the key figure in City’s midfield during this transition period without Rodri.  

"Everyone knows how important Rodri is," commented Rico Lewis on Monday, ahead of the match against Sparta Prague in the Champions League. "But Kovacic has done a great job, and we must stick together, knowing that we’ll be without Rodri this season," he concluded.