Manchester City have lost arguably their most important player to a season-long injury in Rodri Hernández. The Spanish midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the massive game against Arsenal, and the question is now, can City win the big trophies without him?
City are still the favourite for the league and UCL
Rodri is without a doubt the leading defensive midfielder in the world, and his unfortunate injury certainly boosts the hopes of the other major clubs in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
However, even without the Spaniard for the rest of the campaign, City are favourites to capture the two biggest trophies up for grabs. For example, in Champions League betting, the Citizens are offered at 11/4 to win the competition for the second time.
The Champions League winner odds see Real Madrid as the most likely team to benefit from Rodri's absence, offered at 7/2 to lift the trophy.
Domestically, City are also still fancied ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool to defend their long-term Premier League crown.
Ultimately, Pep Guardiola may have lost one of the greatest difference-makers on the planet for the season, but he has a range of high-quality solutions available which could help City make history despite being handed a potential killer blow.
Push Gundogan deeper
The opportunistic summer signing of Ilkay Gundogan looks set to be a blessing for City, as he is the key candidate to be pushed backwards into Rodri's 'number six' role.
The German played the role of the deepest-lying midfielder in the win against Slovan Bratislava on the Champions League's second match day, which could be a sign of things to come.
Gundogan is naturally a box-to-box midfielder who makes surging runs in the latter stages of his team's build-up play. However, his role could now be adapted so that he operates mainly in the deeper areas and carefully selects his opportunities to go forward - similarly to how Rodri would primarily be deep but would occasionally venture decisively into the opposition area.
It would not be a surprise if Guardiola gives one of his most trusted men, the responsibility of the most vital role in the City lineup.
John Stones could move into midfield
John Stones, in recent years, has frequently been used as an in-possession midfielder for City, although following Rodri's injury, a permanent move to the defensive midfield position could be a genuine option.
The England international is immensely press-resistant, has a versatile passing range, and possesses a tall and dominant frame, which are all distinct similarities to Rodri's strengths.
Stones could certainly offer a more like-for-like alternative than any other player available to Guardiola, as the only real factor he lacks is the ability to regularly influence games offensively.
The other options
There are other options available for City besides the two key players mentioned.
Matheus Nunes could finally be awarded the chance to become a regular at the club, while Mateo Kovacic could play a deeper role compared to what he is used to in midfield.
Nunes and Kovacic could both provide makeshift solutions during the season, although neither is likely to become the outright replacement that plays the majority of games in the six positions.
Ultimately, Gundogan and Stones stand out as the most obvious options if City are to cope with Rodri's long-term layoff.
The former is certainly the more natural midfield anchorman, although if Guardiola wants to maintain the aerial dominance and extensive passing range that Rodri offered, then Stones could be a bold but potentially more effective replacement.