Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the possibility of Rodri making a comeback from his ACL injury before the season concludes for Manchester City.
The Ballon d’Or winner suffered the setback just five weeks into the campaign, with Guardiola initially ruling him out until the following year. However, Rodri remained determined to return in time for the Club World Cup in July.
That optimism grew last week as the 28-year-old resumed individual training—a significant milestone, even though he remains far from full match fitness.
Now, Guardiola admits there’s a chance Rodri could meet his ambitious target of returning before the 2024/25 season wraps up.
“The fans should know they’re not the only ones excited,” Guardiola said. “It’s been five or six months, but we have to take it step by step. We can’t make reckless decisions to rush his return.
“He’s still not close, but he’s touching the ball again, he’s back in the dressing room, and he feels confident and happy. Initially, I didn’t expect him to return before the end of the season or even for the Club World Cup—but now, maybe it’s possible.”
City have battled injuries all season, and their struggles continue, with Guardiola confirming that Nathan Ake could be facing a lengthy spell out, joining fellow defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji on the sidelines.
🚨🔵 Pep Guardiola: “Rodri looks good! I could not expect before… but maybe BEFORE end of the season he’s going to help us!”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/LHDuo9P4rJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 2, 2025