Rodri gives predicted injury return date to delight Man City fans

Rodri has not given up hope on playing for Manchester City again this season.

The Spain international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a 2-2  draw with Arsenal on September 22nd and Pep Guardiola’s reigning Premier League champions have suffered in his absence.

Last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton was a fourth consecutive loss in all competitions for City, who are now five points behind leaders Liverpool in England’s top flight.

Rodri had to collect his Ballon d’Or on crutches in Paris a couple of weeks ago, but the Euro 2024 winner has an ambitious comeback target following successful surgery in Madrid from Doctor Manuel Leyes.

Asked by Spanish radio station Cadena Cope whether he would be able to play again this season, Rodri replied: “Yes, yes. Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.”

Will Rodri play again this season?

The new and expanded FIFA Club World Cup does place a sizeable caveat on Rodri’s comments. While a recovery free from setbacks could bring summer 2025 into view, the chances of him participating in the final stages of the traditional European season in April and May remain incredibly remote.

At the end of the current campaign, Pep Guardiola is out of contract at City. Even if his manager leaves, Rodri gave a strong indication that his long-term future remains in Manchester despite the increased standing in the world game and associated options granted to him by a Ballon d’Or success.

“You want to be surrounded by the best and there will be a before and after Pep,” said the 28-year-old, whose current contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until June 2027. “When he is gone, things will change but City will continue to be City.

“I like to live in the present and I have a contract with my club, I’m very happy there. Closing or opening doors doesn’t make sense. I’m still passionate about the Spanish league but the English league is special. It’s a club where I feel very comfortable. I would have to think a lot about leaving.”

Rodri on Real Madrid Ballon d’Or snub

Rodri was previously viewed as a target for Real Madrid and it remains to be seen how that speculation plays out after the Spanish and European champions petulantly boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony when it emerged the City man was going to take the top prize ahead of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.

“All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t,” he added. “I care about my family and my club.

“They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”