Pep Guardiola optimistically updated Rodri ’s recovery, hinting the Ballon d’Or winner might return before the Premier League ends.
Injured in September, Rodri resumed training this week after ACL damage.
Initially cautious, Guardiola stressed avoiding risks. However, Rodri’s rapid progress now fuels hopes he’ll feature domestically and in the Club World Cup.
“The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,“ Guardiola said. “But one step at a time.
We don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks earlier and risk setbacks. It’s good, but still, he’s not close to coming back, I would say.
But he’s touching the ball and was in the locker room making touches with the players. He feels confident, he feels more happy.”
Guardiola added: “I could not expect this before, but maybe before the end of the season – not even just for the (Club) World Cup – in the Premier League, maybe, it’s going to happen.”
Defensive Woes Continue for City
While Rodri’s recovery offers a glimmer of hope for City, their defensive issues continue to mount. Dutch defender Nathan Ake faces another spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during halftime.
Despite his exit, Manchester City clinched a 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory over Plymouth.
Guardiola revealed that Ake has been grappling with a recurring foot issue throughout the season.
“We’ll do the tests, but he struggles sometimes with the foot, with the bone, probably,” Guardiola said. “It’s been like this the whole season, unfortunately, for the central defenders. Hopefully, the young ones can sustain it and help us until the end.”
Ake’s potential absence adds to City’s growing list of defensive casualties. Fellow centre-backs John Stones and Manuel Akanji are both expected to miss most of the remainder of the season, leaving Guardiola with limited options at the back.
City Advance in FA Cup Amid Frustrating Season
Despite their ongoing struggles in the Premier League and an early exit from the Champions League, Manchester City secured a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 comeback win over Championship side Plymouth. Teenager Nico O’Reilly impressed with a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne added a third goal to seal victory.
The FA Cup now represents a key opportunity for City to salvage silverware from what has been a challenging campaign. However, Guardiola expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the balls being used in domestic cup competitions.
“The ball is not proper. I’m sorry,” Guardiola said. “For many years it’s happened in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. I know it’s a business and they come to agreements, but the ball is not good. You know how many shots went over the post? Not just Erling’s (Haaland) – look at other games.”
He continued: “I’ve said it for many years. It’s the truth. The Champions League ball is exceptional, the Premier League is exceptional, this one is not good.”
As City prepare for their next challenges, Guardiola will be hoping his squad can overcome their injury setbacks and maintain momentum in their pursuit of FA Cup glory while also keeping an eye on Rodri ‘s potential return.