Guardiola said Rodri could return this season
Pep Guardiola said that Rodri could possibly return to Manchester City from his knee injury before the end of the season.
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Rodri could return this season
Rodri, 28, hasn’t played since September after undergoing knee surgery from his ACL tear.
The Spansh midfielder has started individual training at the City Football Academy.
Guardiola said that he does not expect Rodri to be available until next season.
However, City released a video of Rodri running and kicking a ball outside less than 24 hours before they advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals by beating Plymouth Argyle.
“The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,” said the City boss.
“It’s been five months or six months.”
“But [it’s] one step at a time. We don’t have to make stupid decisions [for him] to come weeks earlier. He’s not close to coming back, but he’s touching the ball and is in the locker room.”
City needs Rodri back
Pictures of Rodri back in training have generated immense excitement among City fans.
The Ballon d’Or winner’s absence has been deeply felt, as the Premier League champions currently sit fourth in the table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool after eight league defeats.
Guardiola has said that Rodri could return before the end of the season, with the FIFA Club World Cup to follow in June.
“He feels confident and happy,” Guardiola said.
“I could not expect before [him to return] before the end of the season, not even for the [Club] World Cup, but maybe it’s going to happen.”
