Midfielder Rodri could return for Manchester City at the end of this month. The Citizens have been in decline since the Spanish midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal last September. And coach Pep Guardiola said Rodri is recovering.
Rodri was present at the Etihad to witness Man City's win over Plymouth in the FA Cup. Guardiola said the 28-year-old has shortened his recovery time after initially agreeing he would be out for the rest of the season.
"Fans need to know that they are not the only ones excited. 5 or 6 months have passed and it may be after the international break. We have to take it step by step. We don't need to make a foolish decision to come back a few weeks earlier.
That's good, but I think Rodri can't come back yet. Today he touched the ball, interacted with his teammates in the dressing room. He felt more confident and happier.
I didn't think he could return before the end of the season, even at the FIFA Club World Cup. But Rodri could return to the Premier League," said Guardiola.
Man City have struggled without the Spaniard this season. Guardiola was forced to sign Nico Gonzalez from Porto to strengthen the midfield.
But now, Rodri can catch up with the pace of the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on 26 April. The Spanish midfielder scored the only goal in the 2023 Champions League final also at Wembley to help Man City win the championship.
Guardiola cautiously said: "I don't know, let's see if we deserve to go there and we're just in the quarter-finals."
Rodri is one of three notable injuries Man City are facing alongside John Stones and Manuel Akanji. Oscar Bobb has missed the entire season so far, but is getting closer to his return.
Currently, Man City have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and faced Bournemouth. In the Premier League, Guardiola's side are struggling to compete for the title, but there is still a goal of securing a top-four finish.
If he can return, Rodri will bring the necessary stability to the midfield of the Etihad team in the final stages of the season.
