Rodri's injury and subsequent recommendation have injected significant drama into Manchester City's January transfer plans. His influence, even from the sidelines, highlights his importance to the team and sets the stage for a potentially pivotal transfer battle to address their midfield crisis.

City’s slump is set against the backdrop of Guardiola’s unresolved future. He is in the final year of his contract and it was widely expected within the club during the summer that he would leave in 2025, alongside director of football Txiki Begiristain, whose departure, and the arrival of Hugo Viana as his replacement, was confirmed in October.

There is always a first time for everything, Pep Guardiola announced afterwards, and this was one such night for the all-conquering coach from Catalonia: the occasion of his fourth straight defeat as a manager.