It was only last week before Manchester City's opening Champions League tie with Inter Milan that Rodri said "we are close" to a possible strike from players due to the overload of games.

One week on and reports suggest Rodri is set for a lengthy time out due to an ACL injury.

Last week, Rodri added: "In my humble opinion it is too much. Someone has to take care of ourselves because we are the main characters of this sport.

"Not everything is money and marketing. It is the quality of the show."

Last season only Manchester United's Andre Onana started more games than Rodri.

Image source, Opta

With reports suggesting that Rodri is set to be sidelined due to an ACL injury. How have City faired without him?

Rodri has been a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's team since his arrival in 2019. During that five years Rodri has won every trophy available for Manchester City.

The Spaniard has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Super Cup and the Community Shield.

Chelsea v Barrow - 19:45 BST

Manchester City v Watford - 19:45 BST

Walsall v Leicester - 19:45 BST

Wycombe v Aston Villa - 20:00 BST

Manchester United

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui on the increased amount of games: "I think if we did have an answer to this question a lot of the players would be able to play 70 games a season, but realistically big teams that play a lot of matches are not able to play all those games. One or two players play up to 70 and are fit the whole season.

"It's getting more every season and every season you're getting more and more injuries. So I think it's too much."

Manchester United

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui on his working relationship with Erik ten Hag: "Of course he was a big factor. When you decide to join a club it's important to see if the manager and his way of seeing football fits into how you play.

"I knew him already, I knew his way of seeing the game and his style really fits into how I play the game. Working him before [at Ajax] made it easier, because we know what we expect from each other but it wasn't the major factor in coming to this club."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui on his fee: "It's not me who decides the fee, I can't really say anything on that because it was between the negations between Manchester United and Bayern Munich. I made a good start, so it's easy for the fans to say I'm a good buy this summer."

In August, United signed Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a move that could cost nearly £60m.

Justin from Brighton brought up the six-second rule earlier, and it's something that - as we've been discussing - is very rarely enforced (still waiting on any advance from Mignolet in 2015...!).

Law 12 of the game "allows a goalkeeper to control the ball with their hand(s) for no more than six seconds before releasing it into play".

But, earlier this year, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) acknowledged that it is rarely enforced by referees because it's "extremely difficult" to manage an indirect free-kick in the penalty area and that "some feel" it gives the attacking side too much of an advantage.

Ifab planned a trial which could take place in any competition other than the top two divisions of domestic leagues - with these significant changes outlined.

• Goalkeepers to be allowed to hold the ball for eight seconds when in complete control of the ball
• The referee to use a raised hand to clearly show the countdown from five seconds to zero
• The corner kick/throw-in resulting from an offence to be taken from the side of the field of play closest to where the goalkeeper was positioned when penalised
• The goalkeeper to be warned for the first offence and cautioned (yellow card) for any subsequent offence(s)

Further details of the trial are here, external.

Does it sound good to you? Thumbs up or down... Go!

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui on previously playing with fellow team-mate Matthijs de Ligt: "I think that was also one of the big reasons, not just that I played with De Ligt, but I also knew some of the other players here, which made it easier to settle in.

"It's tough to come to a new environment and a new place, but the moment you feel comfortable is the moment you play better. It makes life easier."

Manchester United

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui on leaving Bayern Munich to join Manchester United: "I think if you compare both of them you cannot say one is bigger than the other, maybe internationally speaking Manchester United is probably even bigger than Bayern Munich, so that was one of the reasons.

"The other reason is I felt the summer after two seasons playing in Bayern that I needed and wanted another step up based on a lot of reasons.

"I felt okay there but I felt I could feel better and more comfortable somewhere else, that is why I chose to change clubs and Manchester United came and I don't think I have to explain why I joined such a club."

Manchester United

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui was speaking to the media before United's Europa League game against FC Twente: "You have to understand when you come here as a new player your expectations are that things will only get better.

"I have attended two trainings, and there are 80% of players here I have never played with yet. When the understandings improves, the level can only go up and up."

For anyone who missed the earlier post, we are wondering if the six-second rule still stands? And we may have an answer...

We've brought it into the past decade!

#knowledge from Dave

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham United

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui on Guido Rodriguez being substituted at half-time against Chelsea: "When you change one player at half-time, it's not because of form, but it's because you feel you have to change something.

"It's not going against one player, it's maybe going against my first decision. I don't like to do this, but he's an experienced player and he knows these things can happen sometimes."

On learning from mistake: "Always, I can learn from my mistakes. Mistakes are part of football, and you make them even when you win.

"The most important thing is we are able to do better and we have big commitment from the players."

OK, OK, any advance on 22 years ago?

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham United

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui on Liverpool and Arne Slot: "Liverpool is a big team and a big team around the world.

"I think they are managing this year with a good coach [Arne Slot]. He is showing that he can continue the work of the last [few] years with his style."

On the fans support: "They'll be very important. It'll be great to have them there, with their energy and enthusiasm.

"I hope we can get the right result for them."