Rodri is aiming for an earlier-than-expected comeback for Manchester City, as he discussed his long-term injury and his plans to return to the pitch.
Though initially ruled out for the season after a knee injury sustained against Arsenal in September, Rodri is determined to make his mark again before the campaign ends. This setback came just after his immense value to City was further highlighted by his recent Ballon d’Or win.
While Pep Guardiola and the club have maintained that Rodri will be sidelined for the entire season due to his ACL injury, the midfielder hopes to prove them wrong.
Speaking for the first time about his recovery, Rodri has set an ambitious target: the Club World Cup, which takes place in June and July, as his potential comeback.
Rodri shared with COPE: “Now the seasons are getting longer, and the [FIFA Club] World Cup ends on July 13. I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge.“
He added, “I’ve already started walking, and I’m feeling better than I thought… [Spain teammate] Gavi used to say: ‘I need to play football’. At my age, you see it differently; you have time to rest and recover well.”
Rodri recently attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony on crutches, and despite his optimism, Guardiola has consistently asserted that the star midfielder will not feature again this season.
