Pep Guardiola has issued Man City fans a huge injury boost, as he revealed a potential return date for Rodri, who has been a long-term absentee after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September.
It was anticipated that the Spain international – and reigning Ballon d’Or winner – would miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, earlier this year, City indicated that Rodri could return to action before then by registering the midfielder in their Champions League squad for the latter stages of the campaign, before duly exiting the competition in the last-16 play-offs.
The 28-year-old stepped up his recovery this week as he was put through his paces through running and football drills in a montage posted by City on Friday.
Now, Guardiola has opened up on when the superstar could finally be back in his matchday squad, informing fans that he is as ‘excited’ as they are.
‘The fans must know they are not the only ones excited,’ the Catalan boss said.
Pep Guardiola has issued a potential return date for Man City’s injured superstar Rodri
Rodri has been a long-term absentee after he suffered an ACL injury in September last year
The Spaniard returned to individual training this week as he continues his recovery process
‘It’s been 5½ months, six months, so after the international break it could be. But one step at a time — we don’t have to make stupid decisions for him to come back weeks earlier.
‘It’s good — although he’s not close to coming back, I’d say. But he’s been touching the ball, he’s been in the locker room. He feels confident, he’s more happy.
Guardiola explained that he initially did not expect Rodri to even be back for the Club World Cup final in mid-July, but went on to say that a return before the end of the season is not off the cards.
He added: ‘I could not expect before for him to return before even the Club World Cup.’
‘But now in the Premier League season, maybe it’s going to happen.’
Speaking to Sky Sports during the Super Bowl last month, Rodri said of his injury: ‘Well, I always say, it’s part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to these kind of things.
‘But I’m a very positive guy in the sense that I take it what it is. I always thank God for everything and in these kind of moments try and be positive.
‘And maybe do other stuff that I’m not used to doing, like coming here, spending more time with your family and why not try to improve other parts of your body, work on that and come back stronger.’
Guardiola revealed that there is a chance Rodri will be fit to play before the end of the season
In Rodri’s absence, Guardiola is set to endure just the second trophyless season of his career
When quizzed about how he feels watching the games on the sidelines, the defensive midfielder added: ‘No, I don’t deal good with that. You’re more nervous, you cannot control what’s going on.
‘But yes, I try to support my team from the outside, give them my vision and help them.’
In Rodri’s absence, City have dropped to fourth in the Premier League table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Guardiola’s side were also knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the play-offs.
