Manchester City's midfield maestro, Rodri, has faced a challenging journey back to full fitness following a significant injury setback. Manager Pep Guardiola has shared insights into the player's recovery process and his anticipated return to the pitch.

Injury Overview

Rodri, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament last September, has been sidelined for the majority of the 2024-25 season. The injury occurred during a high-stakes match against Arsenal, leaving the Spanish international out of action for an extended period.

Recent Developments

Despite the setback, Rodri made a brief return towards the end of last season, coming on as a late substitute in City's penultimate Premier League game against Bournemouth. He also featured in the Club World Cup in the United States, where City was eliminated in the last-16 stage by Al-Hilal. However, his appearance was cut short due to a groin issue, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.

Guardiola's Update

Guardiola remains cautiously optimistic about Rodri's recovery. "Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal," the manager stated. "He has trained better in the last few days. Hopefully after the international break, he will be really fit."

Upcoming Matches

City's Premier League campaign kicks off on 16 August against Wolves, followed by matches against Tottenham and Brighton before the September internationals. Guardiola emphasized the importance of Rodri's gradual return, stating, "Hopefully in these games, he can play some minutes, but what is important is that he doesn't have pain because we don't want Rodri coming back injured. We will try desperately to avoid that."

Training Progress

Rodri has participated in the last two training sessions with the team, a positive sign for his recovery. Guardiola added, "He has been training the last two sessions with us and that's good."

Looking Ahead

As Manchester City prepares for a demanding season, Rodri's return to full fitness will be crucial. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner back in action, contributing to City's pursuit of silverware.

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