Rodri is out, Erling Haaland is worried about injury: Manchester City can hardly wait for the January transfer window

Manchester City made no new signings in last season’s January transfer window, but at the end of the season the team made history by winning the Premier League title for the fourth time in a row. Having only made a few additions to the team in the summer transfer window, the changing circumstances could see Pep Guardiola forced into action in the upcoming January transfer window.

The squad is becoming scarce and at least a few reinforcements have become necessary. After losing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and losing Rodri for the rest of the season, there are now two gaping holes in the team that need to be filled.

The sight of Erling Haaland limping in the first half of the game against Newcastle United must have made Guardiola’s heart beat faster. With Rodri out due to injury the week before, the team may not be able to overcome another major injury scare.

The big Norwegian man carried on and completed the game. However, an assessment will be made later this week to determine the extent of the damage done to the City striker.

Guardiola decided not to sign a replacement for Julian Alvarez, who played a key role in City’s success last season. The Argentine is now enjoying life in La Liga and has scored two goals in four league starts so far.

He was crucial for City as he could easily play the number 10 role or step in for Haaland when the number 9 needed a rest or was unavailable. His departure left the team with no options and Guardiola’s decision not to replace him with another signing could still cost the team.

After failing to win the first game following Rodri’s injury, the Catalan coach should now be weighing up his options. After a brilliant start to the season, City have now drawn three games in a row.

The mood in the locker room and the results on the pitch must change quickly to avert a catastrophic collapse, with other teams already smelling blood.

It is clear that an already thin squad is now significantly weakened by injuries to several key players and the departure of Alvarez. The signing of Ilkay Gündogan cannot fill the gap left by the Argentine as the German is a completely different type of player.

As was seen in the last game against Newcastle United, Gundogan is no longer quite the player he was a few seasons ago before he left City. Not only will he not be able to cope with a heavy workload, he may not produce the performances that made him a fan favorite at City.

Given the team’s current situation, it has become necessary for the club to make at least two new signings in the January transfer window. Yes, it will be extremely difficult to find an equivalent replacement for Rodri. But City need to find the next best thing for the Spaniard.

A striker is also needed to replace Haaland as a substitute. This ensures the team is well-equipped to stay ahead of the competition. Arsenal and Liverpool are looking for a chink in City’s armor that will open the way to overtaking.