Manchester City fans have something to cheer about as star midfielder Rodri has finally returned to individual training.
After being sidelined for months due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the Spanish international is taking crucial steps towards a full recovery.
His absence has been deeply felt, but the latest developments bring hope for his return to action sooner than expected.
A Setback That Shook City
Rodri suffered the devastating injury back in September during a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The initial prognosis was grim, with many fearing he would miss the rest of the season.
Given his importance to the squad and his status as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, his absence left a significant void in City’s midfield.
Signs of a Sooner-Than-Expected Return
Despite early concerns, City hinted earlier this year that Rodri could return before the season’s end.
They even included him in their Champions League squad for the latter stages, showing optimism about his recovery timeline.
However, their European journey ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the Last 16 play-offs against Real Madrid.
Back on the Training Ground
Rodri’s recovery has taken a positive turn this week as he was seen engaging in running drills and football exercises.
Manchester City shared a montage of his progress on Friday, sparking excitement among fans.
While he is still training individually, these developments indicate he is on the right track toward rejoining the squad.
Rodri’s Perspective on His Injury
Speaking to Sky Sports during the Super Bowl last month, Rodri remained upbeat about his rehabilitation.
“Injuries are part of life, and as athletes, we have to deal with them,” he said.
“I always try to stay positive and see this as an opportunity to work on other areas, spend more time with family, and come back even stronger.”
However, he admitted that watching from the sidelines has been tough.
“I don’t handle it well. You feel more nervous because you can’t control what’s happening.
But I do my best to support my teammates and offer my perspective from the outside.”
City’s Struggles Without Rodri
Manchester City have had a rough time in Rodri’s absence.
They’ve slipped to fourth place in the Premier League, trailing league leaders Liverpool by 20 points.
Their Champions League hopes were also dashed after Real Madrid knocked them out.
The lack of midfield stability has been evident, prompting the club to sign former Barcelona academy player Nico Gonzalez from Porto for £50.2 million in an effort to reinforce the squad.
Looking Ahead: Can City Still Win Silverware?
Despite their struggles, City are still in the race for trophies.
Their next challenge comes in the FA Cup, where they will face Championship side Plymouth in the fifth round on Sunday.
With Rodri making steady progress, fans will be hoping he can return in time to help the team push for silverware in the final months of the season.
What’s Next for Rodri and City?
The big question now is when Rodri will be fit enough for competitive action.
While no official return date has been set, his recent training sessions suggest he could make a comeback before the season ends.
If he does, his presence could be the boost City need to finish the campaign strong.