Pep Guardiola and Manchester City receive huge Rodri fitness boost ahead of Premier League run-in | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has returned to individual training in a massive boost for Pep Guardiola and the reigning Premier League champions.

The 28-year-old has spent the last six months recovering from an ACL injury sustained back in September, when John Stones’ stoppage-time leveller salvaged a key point for the hosts in an enthralling 2-2 draw against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City’s struggles, and perhaps over-reliance on Rodri, in midfield have been transparent since, as Guardiola’s side have capitulated in their attempts to claim a staggering fifth straight Premier League title at the hands of now-runaway leaders Liverpool.

Whilst Rodri has focused on rehabilitation and individual recovery behind the scenes – part of which saw the 2024 European Championship winner spend time in the USA – as he looks to strengthen the knee damaged in a non-contact challenge against Arsenal earlier in the season.

Despite not being able to lend his side a hand amid their one-of-a-kind struggles this term, the Spain international has been spotted amongst Manchester City’s contingent of injured players near the club’s technical area at home games in recent months.

The Ballon d’Or winner – the first player in Manchester City’s history to have won the accolade – remains an integral presence in the changing room, owing to his seniority and position within the club’s leadership group.

And although it is unlikely Rodri plays a significant role in the remaining part of City’s campaign, the midfielder is finally back in individual training as seen in a new clip posted by the club on their social media channels.

Rodri’s absence and Manchester City’s blaring issues in midfield saw the Blues bring in 23-year-old Spaniard, Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto on deadline day in the January market, with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan also operating in the deeper number six position.

This has been a crossroads season for the blues and with City out of the Premier League title race and no longer in the Champions League after crashing out to Real Madrid in a last-16 play-off, Rodri would be wishful of a strong finish to the season for his side and that could mean them lifting the FA Cup for an eighth time.

Manchester City welcome Championship relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle to the Etihad Stadium in a fifth round tie on Saturday evening, after the latter’s historic fourth round beating of Premier League champions-elect Liverpool.