Pep Guardiola admitted concern over Savinho’s condition after Manchester City were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Sunderland.
The result left City four points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal strengthened their position earlier in the week with a victory over Aston Villa.
Sunderland produced a disciplined and resilient defensive display to secure a deserved point at the Stadium of Light.
Man City dominated large spells of the match but failed to convert a series of clear chances.
‘The amount of chances we missed in the six-yard box, not difficult ones, we could not convert,’ Guardiola said after the match.
‘We created enough chances. We didn’t do what we talked about in the first half but we played good in the second half.’
‘The commitment, the desire, the first half was different,’ he added.
Guardiola pointed to several missed opportunities during the second period.
‘The two chances from Savinho in the second half, Jeremy (Doku), Josko (Gvardiol), Phil (Foden) and Erling (Haaland).’
‘We had a lot but unfortunately we could not do it.’
Savinho was forced off early in the second half, immediately raising alarm within the City camp.
Guardiola admitted after the game that ‘it doesn’t look good’ for the winger.
Nico Gonzalez was also forced off after the break, adding to City’s growing list of fitness concerns.
His withdrawal paved the way for Rodri to return to action following his latest injury layoff.
Guardiola was quick to praise Rodri’s impact during his second-half appearance.
‘He changed the game,’ Guardiola said.
‘He proved in 45 minutes that in that position, he’s the best.’
City appeared more composed and fluid with Rodri anchoring midfield play.
‘We struggled in the first half but with Rodri we struggle less,’ Guardiola explained.
‘One year we had without him. We missed him a lot.’
‘Hopefully he can stay (fit) because he makes us a better team.’
City now shift focus to Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, following the Blues’ decision to dismiss head coach Enzo Maresca.
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