'Football has been cruel to him' - Man City star Rodri explains how he told Spain teammate Gavi he can overcome injury

The Man City midfielder revealed that the youngster initially struggled with the news of his injury, chatting with him about how he could overcome the setback and be a better footballer for it.

Speaking to AS, the Man City midfielder opened up on Gavi's setback. Where he said: "Yes, that was a very tough day. Gavi is someone who is loved greatly, he has a very strong personality. Sometimes he gets criticised for it, but personally I love it.

"He shows the purity of someone who enjoys playing football by going to the maximum, doing anything for what he loves. He has to improve in some areas, but I like his way of being.

"Football has been cruel to him. In the half-time break [against Georgia] we repeated to him that he’s young and this will make him stronger.

"We were all trying to convince him that he’ll get back to being how he was. Today, you can overcome those injuries. We have the measures to do it. I told him not to rush. It was all very difficult."

Gavi suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while in action for Spain back in November and has since undergone surgery to fix the issue. The 19-year-old star will now be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, as he undertakes a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

"It is a huge loss for us," Xavi said at the time of the setback.

"You can't replace him; the heart, passion and courage he plays with. We have to try and find solutions without him, but it's difficult."

Rodri himself has recently escaped serious injury after limping off the pitch during City's 4-0 win over Fluminense in the Club World Cup final, but has since been cleared of any issues and was on hand to score against Sheffield United on Saturday.

He and his City teammates will now look ahead to the FA Cup clash against Huddersfield Town next weekend.