Manchester City are hopeful of having Rodri back in full fitness soon, with Pep Guardiola signaling that the midfielder is “so close to coming back” as the new Premier League season approaches.
Rodri spent most of last season sidelined after rupturing his ACL in September against Arsenal. He did feature for City at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, but he limped off after appearing to reaggravate a knee issue. Guardiola described the injury as a “bad difficult” one and noted that after such setbacks players often experience muscular problems in the year that follows. City have been careful with his recovery, aiming to manage his minutes and ensure a stable return.
City felt his absence as they navigated a tougher campaign without him. Guardiola stressed Rodri’s importance to the team—ambition, personality and quality are all missing when he is not on the pitch. He revealed that seeing Rodri in training and the locker room brings him joy and that the midfielder is “so close” to returning, provided he does not set back his progress.
The plan, Guardiola explained, will be a gradual reintroduction: play a few minutes, then rest, then build up to longer stints before returning to full match rhythm. “But he has to come back for a few minutes and after more minutes and take one day rest and then come back for a few minutes and rest. That is what is most difficult, to know exactly what is the best for him,” he said. He also noted how clubs today monitor players closely, while acknowledging the internal pressure players feel to push themselves back into action after a long layoff.
Guardiola closed by underscoring Rodri’s life and love for football, emphasizing that his return is driven by genuine passion and not just the lure of the spotlight. When Rodri does return, City will welcome a stabilizing presence in midfield, capable of driving possession and orchestrating the press.
What this means for City: Rodri’s phased return will be watched closely in the opening weeks as the team seeks to regain balance and midfield control. His leadership and technical ability should help City reassert their style, while offering Pep Guardiola more flexibility in squad rotation as the season progresses.
Summary: City are optimistic about a gradual but imminent return for Rodri, with a carefully managed comeback aimed at restoring their midfield engine and reinforcing their title bid.
Notes for added value:
– Possible early impact areas include reestablishing City’s pressing intensity and ball distribution from deep, which often rely on Rodri’s passing range and reading of the game.
– Watch for how Guardiola staggers Rodri’s minutes alongside other midfielders to prevent a recurrence of knee issues while maintaining pressure in domestic and European campaigns.