Rodri issues major update on recovery from injury in significant boost to Manchester City and Spain | OneFootball

Manchester City and Spain can start to become more hopeful when it comes to their chances of seeing Rodri feature in competitive matches once again this season.

The 28-year-old, who became the first Manchester City player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or award in October, underwent surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, after suffering the injury against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in September.

Rodri suffered the devastating injury during the first-half of the 2-2 draw with Mikel Arteta’s side during the opening weeks of the new campaign, with the Spaniard having initially missed the start of the 2024/25 season due to a hamstring problem.

Pep Guardiola’s side have hugely struggled amid the absence of the defensive midfielder, with the Sky Blues going on an uncharacteristically poor run of results, leaving Manchester City at risk of crashing out of the UEFA Champions League at the league-phase, and failing to qualify for next season’s edition.

The Blues won back-to-back games for the first time in three months last weekend, and have taken steps to address the current issues in the January transfer window, with three rumoured arrivals this month.

Manchester City have also welcomed Oscar Bobb back to first-team training in the past week, with the Norwegian international undergoing surgery for a leg fracture in August.

Rodri is still undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process, but has recently declared intentions to feature for Manchester City again this season, with the Sky Blues set to play throughout the summer as part of the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Spanish newspaper AS, the Manchester City midfielder has revealed his firm belief that he will play once again for the club during the ongoing competitive season.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Rodri insisted when asked whether he sees himself in action before the end of the competitive campaign. “Also, I know myself, I am a person who recovers well, a person with a positive mentality.

“They have said that the issue of the head was very important in the recovery. As I said, everything is going very well. Of course I want to play again this season.”

Asked specifically about whether he could feature for Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup or Spain in the UEFA Nations League, Rodri said, “Yes, I think so.

“I don’t want to confirm anything, but my idea is to try to come back a little earlier than that. It’s in my head. These are the two big tournaments I have in mind for this year.”

“I need my team, my national team, football! The desire to return is mutual. During my Ballon d’Or tribute at the Etihad, during the days I was there supporting my teammates from the stands, I was dying to be back with them. I miss them. I needed to go home.”

Manchester City are scheduled to begin their FIFA Club World Cup title defence on Wednesday 18th June in the United States, facing Wydad AC in Philadelphia.