‘He feels confident’ - Guardiola reveals expected date for Rodri’s return

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

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Pep Guardiola (Credit: Imago)

‘He feels confident’ - Guardiola reveals expected date for Rodri’s return

Stephen Oladehinde 14:16 - 03.03.2025

Pep Guardiola has revealed Ballon d’Or winner Rodri could make a return this season following his development.

The Spaniard's first Premier League game of the season against Arsenal in September ended abruptly due to a cruciate ligament rupture, sidelining him since.

The midfielder was initially ruled out for the rest of the campaign by Guardiola, who also suggested that making the expanded Club World Cup in June and July would be a struggle for the player.

However, Manchester City could have their star player back for the FA Cup final in May if they make it back to Wembley.

Guardiola speaks on Rodri

Guardiola shared that the former Atletico Madrid player's recovery had been faster than anticipated, which had fans hoping for his comeback.

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola

According to the Sun, he said, “The fans must know they are not the only ones excited. It’s been 5½ months, six months, so after the international break it could be. But one step at a time — we don’t have to make stupid decisions for him to come back weeks earlier.

“It’s good — although he’s not close to coming back, I’d say. But he’s been touching the ball, he’s been in the locker room. He feels confident, he’s more happy.

“I could not expect before for him to return before even the Club World Cup. But now in the Premier League season, maybe it’s going to happen.”

Man City star Rodri || Imago
Man City star Rodri || Imago

Rodri has a month before the international break. Following that, there will only be nine games remaining in City's Premier League campaign.

The FA Cup, with the semi-finals on the weekend of April 28 and the final three weeks later, is their only chance for a domestic trophy this season for Man City.

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