Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has stressed that he will not rush Rodri’s return to action following the midfielder’s long injury lay-off. Rodri resumed training this week, five months after tearing his cruciate knee ligament in a match against Arsenal. Initially ruled out for the remainder of the season, there is now cautious optimism that Rodri could make a return in the final weeks of the Premier League campaign or in the latter stages of the FA Cup.
Guardiola acknowledged the excitement surrounding Rodri’s potential return, saying that while the fans are eager, it is important not to make any “stupid” decisions by rushing him back too soon. Guardiola stated, “It’s been five months, six months. But one step at a time, we don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks earlier.” He added that although Rodri is not yet close to a return, the midfielder is feeling more confident and happy, and is already engaging in light ball work with the players in the locker room.
While Guardiola had not anticipated Rodri’s return before the end of the season, including the Club World Cup, he suggested that there is a chance he could be involved in the Premier League before the campaign concludes.
