What Pep Guardiola said about when Rodri will return from injury

Manchester City's Rodri may return from injury before the end of the 2024/25 season, according to Pep Guardiola.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Man City's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.

Rodri returned to individual training last week and despite Guardiola's initial caution, the Catalan tactician spoke more optimistically on the possibility of his midfield lynchpin returning before the end of the domestic season.

Speaking after his side's 3-1 success over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, Guardiola said: "The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited. It's been five months or six months.

"It's one step at a time. We don't have to make stupid decisions [for him] to come weeks earlier. It’s good but still he’s not close to coming back, I would say.

"But he’s touching the ball and he was in the locker room making touches with the players," Guardiola added. "He feels confident and happy.

"I could not expect before [him to return] before the end of the season in the Premier League, not even for the [Club] World Cup, but maybe it's going to happen."

Manchester City's Premier League campaign is scheduled to conclude on 25th May before they participate in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in June.

The tournament, which consists of 32 teams from around the world, will commence with the group stage on 14th June and will finish with the final on 13th July.

Jaquob Crooke

• Manchester City F.C.
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