Pep Guardiola has published Man City fans a huge injury boost because he revealed a potential return date for Rodri, who was an absent in the long term after a front cross-union in September.
The Spain was expected to miss the international – and reigning balloon d'Or winner – the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.
Earlier this year, however, City indicated that Rodri was able to return for that time by registering the midfielder in their Champions League team for the last phases of the campaign before he left the competition properly in the last 16 play-offs.
The 28-year-old resigned his recovery this week when he was placed on Friday by running and football exercises on a Friday.
Now Guardiola is open when the superstar could finally be back in his matchday team and fans informs that he is just as 'excited' as they are.
“The fans must know that they are not the only ones excited,” said the Catalan boss.
'It is 5½ months, six months ago, so after the international break it could be. But step by step – we don't have to make stupid decisions for him to come back weeks earlier.
“It's good – although he doesn't almost come back, I would say. But he touched the ball, he has been to the dressing room. He feels confident, he is happier.
Guardiola explained that he initially did not expect Rodri to be back even in mid-July for the club World Cup final, but continued to say that a return before the end of the season is not out of the cards.
He added: “I couldn't expect that he will return for even the Club World Cup.”
“But now in the Premier League season, it might happen.”
Rodri spoke with Sky Sports during the Super Bowl last month and said about his injury: 'Well, I always say, it is part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to things like this.
'But I am a very positive guy in the sense that I am taking what it is. I always thank God for everything and try to be positive in these moments.
“And maybe other things that I am not used to do, such as coming here, spending more time with your family and why do not try to improve other parts of your body, to work on them and to come back stronger.”
When he interviewed how he feels to view the games on the sidelines, the defending midfielder added: 'No, I was not in good shape. You are more nervous, you cannot determine what is going on.
“But yes, I try to support my team from outside, give them my vision and help them.”
In the absence of Rodri, City has fallen to fourth place in the Premier League table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool.
The side of Guardiola was also beaten from the Champions League by Real Madrid in the play-offs.
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