Manchester City midfielder Rodri has confirmed that he avoided an injury after being the victim of one of the "worst tackles" of his career in the Club World Cup final.
Pep Guardiola's side conquered the globe and won their fifth trophy of 2023 by virtue of a 4-0 thrashing of Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense, who succumbed to Julian Alvarez's brace, Phil Foden's effort and a Nino own goal.
However, with the Citizens 2-0 up midway through the second half, Rodri was the victim of a terrible tackle from behind from Fluminense's Alexsander, which left the Spaniard clutching his knee in agony on the turf.
The Spain international received treatment for a few minutes before trying to carry on, and straight from the restart, City increased their lead to three goals via Foden's close-range finish.
Rodri was on the pitch for that phase of play, but the 27-year-old quickly dropped to the ground again and trudged off the field alongside a member of the medical team, sparking concern about his availability for the festive fixtures.
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Rodri allayed any fears of a long-term problem when speaking to Sky Sports News after the game, although he lambasted Alexsander's challenge as one of the worst he has been on the receiving end of.
"I was very lucky today. It was one of the worst tackles in my career. I was so scared because I felt my knee but fortunately it was nothing," the former Atletico Madrid man said.
"I said to the player: 'You cannot do these kind of actions.' Today, I won more than a trophy. I go home safe but I was very close to crying. I felt very worried but it is nothing."
When asked if he would be available for Man City's imminent Premier League trip to Everton on Wednesday night, Rodri responded: "Yes. I have pain because it was very dramatic but nothing is affected."
Rodri's affirmations will be music to the ears of City supporters, who have witnessed the 27-year-old blossom into one of Europe's most celebrated midfielders during his time under Guardiola's wing.
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The Spaniard - who scored the winner in last season's Champions League final against Inter Milan - has four goals and six assists to show from 22 games this season, and he won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2023 Club World Cup.
Barring August's Community Shield loss to Arsenal - where Rodri played the full 90 - all four of Man City's other defeats this season have come when the Spaniard has not played, and the Citizens are yet to lose when the former Atletico man has started this season.
While Rodri has declared himself fit for the midweek trip to Everton, Guardiola is still sweating over the fitness of Erling Haaland (foot), Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) and Jeremy Doku (foot), all of whom did not play a single minute in the Club World Cup.
However, tournament regulations prevented the trio from making possible comebacks against Fluminense, as players who did not take part in the semi-finals were not eligible to participate in the final.
Ben Knapton
