Rodri’s Road to Recovery
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed optimism about Rodri’s recovery, suggesting that the Ballon d’Or winner could make a return before the end of the season. Initially ruled out for the entire campaign due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in September, Rodri has made significant progress in his rehabilitation, raising hopes of a potential comeback.
Rodri, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football, suffered a devastating ACL injury that threatened to sideline him for the entire season. His absence has been a significant blow to Manchester City, who have struggled in certain games without their midfield general controlling the tempo.
However, Rodri has been working tirelessly on his rehabilitation and has now resumed individual training. His recovery has progressed faster than initially expected, leading Guardiola to suggest that the Spaniard might play again before the end of the Premier League season.
Guardiola’s Excitement Over Rodri’s Progress
Speaking after Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, Guardiola revealed his excitement over Rodri’s progress.
“The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,” Guardiola told reporters. “He was touching the ball today. He was in the locker room … he feels more confident, he feels happier.”
The Manchester City boss admitted that he had initially ruled Rodri out for the entire campaign but is now reconsidering that stance.
“I couldn’t expect it before, but I think maybe before the end of the season. Not even in the Club World Cup, but in the Premier League, maybe he’s going to help us.”
While this news will come as a major boost for City supporters, Guardiola also emphasized the importance of patience in Rodri’s recovery process.
City to Be Cautious With Rodri’s Return
Despite the positive signs, Guardiola made it clear that the club will not rush Rodri back onto the pitch. The manager emphasized that a premature return could risk further setbacks, something the club wants to avoid at all costs.
“One step at a time. We don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks earlier and [suffer] steps back. But yeah, looks good. Still, he’s not close to coming back, I would say,” Guardiola explained.
Rodri’s fitness will be monitored closely, and his return will depend on how well he responds to his current training regimen. The City coaching staff and medical team will ensure that he regains full strength before stepping back onto the pitch.
Man City’s Midfield Without Rodri
Since Rodri’s injury, Manchester City’s midfield has struggled at times. The Spaniard is known for his ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and provide defensive cover in front of the backline. Without him, City have lacked stability in crucial games, leading to a few unexpected results.
Guardiola has experimented with different midfield setups, deploying players like Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, and John Stones in deep-lying roles. However, none have been able to fully replicate his impact.
His return, if it happens before the end of the season, could be a huge boost for Manchester City, particularly in their hunt for Premier League and FA Cup glory.
Rodri’s Importance to Manchester City
Rodri has been a key figure in Guardiola’s system since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019. Last season, he played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic treble, with his performances in midfield helping the club dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Some of Rodri’s most notable contributions include:
- Scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
- Providing defensive solidity that allowed Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to flourish in attack.
- Becoming the main orchestrator in City’s possession-based system.
With City currently locked in a tight title race with Liverpool and Arsenal, having him back for the final stretch of the season could significantly boost their chances of lifting yet another Premier League trophy.
When Could Rodri Return?
Guardiola did not provide an exact return date but hinted that he could feature in City’s remaining Premier League fixtures if his recovery continues to progress well.
City have crucial games coming up, including:
- Liverpool (March 10) – Premier League title showdown
- FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth (March 16)
A return in April or early May could give City an extra midfield boost at a crucial stage of the season.
Final Thoughts
Manchester City fans will be relieved to hear that Rodri’s recovery is ahead of schedule. While Guardiola remains cautious about setting an exact return date, the possibility of having the Spanish midfielder back before the end of the season is a massive boost.
Rodri’s presence could be the difference between City winning silverware or falling short, making his rehabilitation a critical storyline in the final months of the campaign. If all goes well, City supporters could see their midfield maestro back in action sooner than expected.
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