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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has vowed to find a replacement for Rodri after the influential midfielder was ruled out for a “significant” period.
City are set to be without the Spaniard for a lengthy spell following an injury in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
The 28-year-old has been an almost ever-present at the heart of Guardiola’s midfield during a trophy-laden four-year period, playing in more than 50 games in each of the last four seasons.
“Still we don’t have the definite [timeframe on Rodri’s return],” Guardiola told the club website.
“[He] will be out for a long time, a while. But there are some opinions that it may be less than we expect.
“Right now I can’t tell you. We’re waiting on the last phone calls from the doctors. What he has and what type of surgery he has to get.
“I expect [we will find out] tomorrow. Tonight, tomorrow we will know it. The club will inform.
“He’s feeling okay, strong. He’s just waiting.”
Speaking after City’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win against Watford on Tuesday night, Guardiola insisted he will do all he can to find a way to function without the four-time Premier League winner.
“We don’t want it but we will have a good season” he added.
“I trust my players. I need to find a solution. Rodri is irreplaceable. Of course it’s a big blow for us. In football it happens.
“My duty is to find a solution to be competitive and continue to be there. A problem for our opponents.
“I will find a solution. We will do it.”
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Rodri is the second long-term injury City have been dealt early in the campaign, with promising winger Oscar Bobb also set to be out for a large spell.
But Guardiola insists the Premier League champions will not be feeling sorry for themselves without the duo.
He added: “I feel so sorry for Rodri and for Oscar Bobb too but what are we going to do? Guys we are with you and you have the best medical department.
“Three months without Erling and five without Kevin we won the Premier League in spite of many things.
“You have to go for it. This is the challenge. It’s nice. Always happens. What you have to do. I’m sorry it’s a pity. Let’s go.
“Go to Newcastle to try to win the game. It is what it is. Me as manager can reflect what we can do better.”