Pep Guardiola worried about 'strong' Rodri as Man City boss reacts to huge injury blow in thrilling draw with Arsenal

Rodri had to be taken off midway through the first half after appearing to twist his knee in a coming together with Thomas Partey. The injury put a dampener on an otherwise satisfactory afternoon for Guardiola, who saw his side snatch a point against their title rivals thanks to John Stones' late equaliser.

Rodri's importance to Man City has been well-documented. They lost three of the four Premier League games that the 28-year-old missed last season, and his attributes can't be replaced by anyone else in Guardiola's squad. So the City boss will be desperate the injury isn't as bad as first feared, although Rodri's shake of the head as he left the pitch doesn't bode well.

"I don't know, I didn't speak to the doctor," Guardiola said about the midfielder's status. "[But] Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there. He's the best holding midfielder in the world, He is a potential Ballon d'Or winner, I would love for him to win."

Sunday's high-tempered affair - which saw Leandro Trossard sent off in the first half and Erling Haaland in the thick of it as the teams clashed late on - precedes Carabao Cup fourth round ties for both clubs. City host Watford on Tuesday and Arsenal welcome Bolton to the Emirates Stadium one day later.