Pep Guardiola reveals Manchester City midfielder Rodri's return timeline

The Spanish midfielder has started individual training.

By the close of the month, Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, might be back in the team, Pep Guardiola confirmed.

Since Rodri injured his anterior cruciate ligament against Arsenal in September, City have suffered a huge dip in performance. Guardiola claims the current Ballon d’Or winner is making good progress.

After initially declaring Rodri out for the remainder of the season, Guardiola admits he has been forced to push up his recovery timeline. Rodri attended City’s FA Cup victory against Plymouth on Saturday night at the Etihad.

“The fans must know they’re not the only ones who are excited,” said the City boss. “It’s been five months or six months and it could be after the international break.

“But we must take it one step at a time. We don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks early. It’s good, but he’s still not close to coming back I’d say.

“But he’s touching the ball today, in the locker room, making touches with the players. He feels confident, he feels happy.”

Man City acquired Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto in order to offer the squad extra midfield force because City have struggled this campaign without the Spain international.

However, Rodri, 28, may be ready for the FA Cup semi-finals on April 26 at Wembley if City make it that far into the competition. The Spain midfielder, who scored the lone goal in the 2023 Champions League final to win the treble, is the man for the big event.

City’s hopes of defending the league look far-fetched now as they are fourth in the table and 20 points adrift of first-place Liverpool. They are also already eliminated from the Champions League. The FA Cup remains the only hope.

Along with John Stones and Manuel Akanji, Rodri is one of three significant injured players that City are dealing with. Oscar Bobb is getting closer to making a comeback after missing most of the season thus far.

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