Champions League

Why isn’t Rodrygo playing for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League today?

Rodrygo is missing from Real Madrid’s squad for their UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City. Here’s the latest on his situation.

Diego Souto

Roddy Cons

Digital sports journalist

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: Mar 11th, 2026 14:49 EDT

Rodrygo is one of a number of key players who will be absent for Real Madrid as they host Manchester City in the first leg of the 2025-26 Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, March 11.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City live

Álvaro Arbeloa will also be without the services of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, although Madrid hope both players will be fit to play in the return leg in Manchester next week on Tuesday, March 17. Sadly, the same cannot be said for Rodrygo.

Rodrygo carried on playing regularly for Real Madrid and Brazil despite suffering a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee when on international duty in 2023.

On Tuesday, the 25-year-old was diagnosed with a rupture of the ACL and the lateral meniscus of… pic.twitter.com/7d0VIyT88m
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 4, 2026

What injury does Rodrygo have? When will he be back?

The Brazilian attacker tore the ACL in his right knee during the shock home defeat to Getafe on March 2 and is expected to be sidelined for around 10 to 12 months.

That means Rodrygo will miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada and is unlikely to take the field again until 2027.

It has since come to light that the Brazil international suffered a partial ACL tear in the same knee in 2023 but played on for club and country regardless.

Surgery completed as recovery begins

The 25-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday and now begins the long road to recovery.

Madrid will hope the procedure proves successful as the forward starts his rehabilitation and looks to return to full fitness after one of the most serious injuries a player can suffer.

@asusaofficial
😭 Rodrygo's season is over... and so are his chances of winning the World Cup. The Brazilian forward suffered a horrendous injury in Real Madrid's loss to Getafe. #RealMadrid #LaLiga #Rodrygo #worldcup2026
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Madrid missing several stars vs City

As well as Rodrygo, Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will also be unable to call upon Mbappé, Bellingham, Eder Militão, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba and Álvaro Carreras.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City live on AS USA

Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. ET. You can follow the game on our AS USA live feed.