Rodri gap leaves City scrabbling for solution

González's error against Monaco highlighted the glaring need for a succession plan in a faltering midfield

- Will Unwin

Patience is required for Rodri, Manchester City's metronomic midfielder.

Returning from a cruciate ligament injury was never going to be straightforward. Pep Guardiola has been quite clear that Rodri cannot yet cope with the rigours of playing three games a week and it was no surprise to see him withdraw the 29-year-old after an hour of the 2-2 draw in Monaco, having left him out entirely of the weekend win over Burnley.

Nico González replaced his compatriot at the Stade Louis II and made headlines by introducing his shin pad to Eric Dier's face in the dying moments of the game. That cost his side victory and since joining from Porto for almost £50m, the 23-year-old has rarely given the impression of being a long-term replacement for Rodri.