ICYMI: Despite initially being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, Rodri is aiming to make a shock return to action for Manchester City this year. The midfielder, who sustained the injury in September, is targeting a six-to-seven-month recovery timeline and will continue rehab in Manchester after spending time in Spain.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is setting his sights on a return to action this season, despite being initially expected to miss the remainder of the campaign after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September.
Rodri, who was widely believed to be sidelined until next season, is working diligently on his recovery and aims to defy expectations by playing again before the season concludes. Despite the setback, City’s medical team had feared a longer absence. However, Rodri has set himself a bold recovery timeline.
“My target is six, seven months, but the physios, they will dictate,” Rodri said in a recent update on his progress. “I don’t want to run, you know, I don’t want to make mistakes. But yeah, that’s my mentality.”
The Spanish international has been following a rehabilitation plan with a stay in Spain, surrounded by family and friends, but will soon be back in Manchester to continue his recovery at the club’s facilities in January. His visit to the training ground in Manchester was a reminder of his resolve, with the Ballon d’Or winner receiving a fitting tribute before City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham.
With Manchester City’s season running through until late May, including the Champions League final in early June and the Club World Cup in mid-June, Rodri’s ambitious target could yet materialize. If he does return ahead of schedule, it would mark a significant boost for Pep Guardiola’s squad during a pivotal period.
