Guardiola sets timeline for Rodri return after Man City star returns to training

Manchester City midfielder Rodri could make his long-awaited return for Pep Guardiola's side by the end of the month.

City have fallen apart since Rodri damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments against Arsenal in September and Guardiola says the reigning Ballon d’Or holder is progressing well.

Rodri was at the Etihad for City’s FA Cup win over Plymouth on Saturday night and Guardiola says he has had to bring forward his timescale for his recovery after initially ruling him out for the season.

“The fans must know they’re not the only ones who are excited,” said the City boss. "It’s been five months or six months and it could be after the international break.

"But we must take it one step at a time. We don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks early. It’s good, but he’s still not close to coming back I’d say.

"But he’s touching the ball today, in the locker room, making touches with the players. He feels confident, he feels happy."

City have struggled without the Spain international this season and Guardiola signed Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto to give the team more power in midfield.

But now Rodri, 28, could be up to speed by the time of the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on April 26 and the Spain midfielder is the man for the big occasion, having scored the only goal in the 2023 Champions League Final to clinch the treble.

A cautious Guardiola said: "I don’t know, let’s see if we deserve to get there and we’re just in the quarter-finals.

“I could not expect him before the end of the season, not even the Club World Cup, but in the Premier League, maybe it’s going to happen."

Rodri is one of three notable injuries City are struggling with alongside John Stones and Manuel Akanji. Oscar Bobb has missed the entire season so far but is closing in on a return.