Rodri could return for Man City this season after 6 months

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed optimism that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri could return to action this season for the Citizens.

The Spain midfielder, sidelined since September due to a significant knee injury sustained against Arsenal, has been spotted training, sparking hope among fans and the club alike.

On Friday, the club shared footage of Rodri training just hours before City secured their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a victory over Plymouth Argyle.

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While City officials are cautious about setting a specific timeline for his return, the prospect of Rodri featuring again this season has generated considerable excitement.

Guardiola, for the first time since the injury, has hinted that the 28-year-old might play before the campaign concludes, potentially even in the FIFA Club World Cup in June.

The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited.

It's been five or six months, but we’re taking it one step at a time. We won’t make reckless decisions to rush him back weeks earlier.

He’s not close to returning yet, but he’s touching the ball in the locker room and feeling confident and happy. I didn’t expect him to return before the end of the season, not even for the Club World Cup, but maybe it’s going to happen.

Rodri’s absence has been deeply felt by the Premier League champions, who currently sit fourth in the table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool after eight league defeats.

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His potential return could provide a significant boost as City aims to close the gap and compete in upcoming tournaments.

Update on injuries

Meanwhile, Guardiola also provided an update on defender Nathan Aké, who is undergoing further tests for an ongoing issue that could sideline the Dutch international for an extended period.

He struggles sometimes with his feet

It’s been like this the whole season with the central defenders

Aké, 30, has been limited to 18 appearances this season due to recurring injuries and was substituted at halftime during the Plymouth match.

In addition to Aké, fellow defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji were also unavailable for the FA Cup victory due to injuries, further highlighting City’s defensive challenges this season.