Pep Guardiola said he must “find a solution” to Rodri’s absence from Manchester City’s midfield after the Premier League champions again failed to win without the injured Spain international against Newcastle on Saturday.

Rodri, 28, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Before the trip to Newcastle, City had lost 7 of 21 Premier League games without Rodri playing his usual defensive role in midfield, and while he was suspended last season, Guardiola’s side lost consecutive games against Newcastle and Wolves while Rodri was unavailable. .

But although City avoided defeat at St James’ Park, their performance was unconvincing with a midfield of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis and Guardiola said after the 1-1 draw that he is still figuring out how to get on without Rodri can handle. .

“Guys, I know you’re going to ask me all the time, but he (Rodri) is not there,” Guardiola said. “Kova(cic), Bernardo (Silva) and Rico did well, but I have to find solutions. I wish Rodri was here.

“I see my team and recognize them perfectly. We had chances to score and we were strong in midfield. The problem was the balls from the back.

“But sometimes it happens and you have to adapt. We had chances to score, but this is their (Newcastle) stadium and they had chances to score, so I’m happy.”

Guardiola, meanwhile, played down concerns over striker Erling Haaland’s injury during the first half of the match.

The Norway international received treatment on his left ankle, with some blood visible on his torn sock as the physiotherapist sprayed the affected area.

But Haaland finished the game and Guardiola seemed unfazed by the issue when asked after the match.

“He (Haaland) has a touch,” Guardiola said. “We’ll see.”