Man City’s World Club Championship glory comes at a cost as key man Rodri hobbles off with apparent knee issue
MANCHESTER CITY are on top of the world - but it came at a huge cost as they were left worrying on the condition of Rodri.
They thrashed Brazilian side Fluminense 4-0 in Jeddah to win the Club World Cup Final.
But Pep Guardiola will be sweating on the fitness of influential midfielder Rodri after he suffered an injury late on.
The Spanish international, 27, was sent tumbling to the turf in agony after a challenge from Fluminense’s Alexsander.
He did attempt to continue, but that did not last long as Guardiola decided to take no risks with the ace and soon brought him off.
The move made sense as the Cityzens were already 3-0 up at that point.
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Julian Alvarez gave them the lead inside the first minute after he chested home the rebound after Nathan Ake's long-ranger bounced back off the post.
Phil Foden's deflected effort off defender Nino doubled the advantage on 27 minutes as City entered cruise control.
The England star then ensured that his name was on the scoresheet when he added a third on 72 minutes.
Just seconds later City were handed their major injury worry when Rodri limped off.
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City lost all three matches when he was absent through suspension earlier this term and Guardiola will be desperate to have him available for the hectic festive period.
But Alvarez managed to end the night on a high for the Cityzens as he grabbed his brace in the closing stages to seal the thumping victory.
Rodri, fortunately, was still able to go up and be presented with the Golden Ball trophy, which was awarded to the player of the tournament, after the game.
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