The Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of season after an ACL injury in September, but has now returned to full team training
Manchester City have received a timely boost as midfielder Rodri returned to full training with the first-team squad, raising hopes he could feature before the season ends.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the FA Cup semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest, City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the player was training with the first team.
Guardiola, however, was cautious when speaking about Rodri’s comeback.
“[Rodri] is training with us and doing very well, but I don’t know when he’ll be ready,” the City boss said. “That will depend on the medical staff.”
The Ballon d’Or winner has been sidelined since September after sustaining an ACL injury during City’s clash with Arsenal. Tests after the game showed that he would miss the remainder of the season.
In February, the Spain international returned to individual training, completing workouts at City’s Etihad Campus training ground.
Rodri’s importance to the Manchester City squad has been underlined by their struggles this season since his injury, with replacement Mateo Kovacic and youngster Rico Lewis unable to fill the Spaniard’s large boots.
City are currently in the thick of a race for Champions League qualification in the Premier League, vying with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Aston Villa for three of the five spots.
