Pep Guardiola has provided a major update regarding the return of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.
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The Spanish midfielder has been out with a cruciate ligament injury since September. During that time, the Citizens have suffered a tremendous downturn in form, as the Mancunians have gone from challenging for the Premier League title to competing with the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Bournemouth for UEFA Champions League qualification next season.
However, City fans will likely be pleased to hear what Guardiola has had to say recently. During the early stages of the Madrid native's recovery, the former Bayern Munich manager claimed that he did not expect Rodri to return this season.
But after the club released a video of the recent Golden Ball winner kicking a ball at City's academy training ground, the Spanish tactician has changed his tune, stating that the defensive midfielder could return earlier than expected.
"The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited," Guardiola said, as per ESPN.
"It's been five months or six months. After the international break, could be. But one step at a time. We don't have to make stupid decisions to come from weeks earlier. It's good, but still he's not close to coming back, I'd say.
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"But he's touching the ball today in the locker room, making touches with the players. He feels confident, he feels more happy. I could not expect [that he could return] before the end of the season, not even the [Club] World Cup. In the Premier League, maybe it's going to happen."
