Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a positive update on the recovery of midfielder Rodri, suggesting that the reigning Ballon d’Or winner could return to action before the end of the season.
Rodri suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September, and while initially ruled out for the season, his return to individual training has sparked hope among fans and the club. This positive news offers a timely boost to Manchester City, who are enduring their most challenging season in years.
Manchester City announced via social media that Rodri has resumed individual training, showing a video of him working with the ball. The club’s statement included the phrase “On the road to recovery,” emphasizing the positive nature of the progress. This news is a significant development, given the seriousness of the injury and the initial prognosis that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The unexpected speed of his recovery is a testament to his dedication and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program.
Guardiola’s comments on Rodri’s potential return
Following Manchester City’s FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle, Guardiola expressed his excitement about Rodri’s progress, stating, “The fans should know they’re not the only ones excited…He was in the dressing room…he feels safer, he feels happier. I didn’t expect it to be like this, but I think maybe he will come back before the end of the season to help us in the Premier League.” However, Guardiola stressed the importance of a cautious approach, emphasizing that the club wouldn’t rush his return to avoid setbacks.
Rodri’s absence has been keenly felt throughout Manchester City’s season, compounding the team’s challenges. The club’s elimination from the Champions League by Real Madrid and their struggles in the Premier League have highlighted the significance of Rodri’s defensive midfield role.
Despite their difficulties, Manchester City did sign Nico González in the January transfer window to partially mitigate Rodri’s absence. However, the potential return of Rodri would be a significant boost for the team’s ambitions.
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Rodri’s potential return before the end of the season is a significant development for Manchester City, given the challenges they’ve faced this year. Although Guardiola cautioned against rushing his recovery, the prospect of having the reigning Ballon d’Or winner back in the squad offers a much-needed boost in morale and could significantly improve their prospects for the remaining Premier League matches.
