Arsenal have been backed into as short as 11/8 joint-favourites with some firms to win the Premier League title as reports emerged on Monday that Manchester City midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season.
Most bookies have trimmed Mikel Arteta's side from around the 13/8 mark to 6/4, but Ladbrokes have both sides at 11/8.
The Spain international, who won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, was substituted early in Sunday's 2-2 draw with the Gunners with what looked like a serious knee injury.
According to reports, initial tests showed he sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage.
All three of City’s league defeats last season came without Rodri.
The FA Cup final loss to Manchester United was the only match in all competitions they lost with him, and Pep Guardiola has not shied away from describing the 28 year old as "irreplaceable".
Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since helped the club win four league titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
A long lay-off for Rodri would exacerbate issues Manchester City already have in central midfield.
They played the first half of last season without Kevin De Bruyne, and this term it had looked as though the Belgian had returned as fit and in-form as ever.
However, he missed the draw with Arsenal after limping off against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek, with no prognosis yet delivered on how long City could be without him.
Odds correct at 0900 (24/09/24)
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
Fast Results
Scores
