Manchester City midfielder Rodri has taken a significant step in his recovery from a serious knee injury, returning to individual training. The Spain international, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on September 22nd, was initially expected to miss the remainder of the season.
However, a video released by Manchester City on their social media channels showed Rodri participating in drills at the club’s training ground, accompanied by the caption “on the road to recovery.” This development raises hopes of an earlier-than-anticipated return for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
On the road to recovery 💪 pic.twitter.com/WovR8p6417
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 28, 2025
Rodri’s absence has been keenly felt by City. Without his influential presence in midfield, Pep Guardiola’s side have fallen 20 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid earlier this month. Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after helping Manchester City win Premier League and Spain to lift the Euro 2024.
The player himself has stated his aim is to return in time for the Club World Cup, which begins for City on June 18th. However, manager Pep Guardiola has previously emphasized the need for caution regarding Rodri’s recovery.
“He’s positive but I don’t know to be honest. An ACL is an ACL,” Guardiola said last month. “Always I believe in long injuries there’s a time you must respect because of the human body. The ACL is the ACL for every football player and every athlete so there is a time. [The] Most important [thing] for Rodri now is to recover well.”
While Rodri’s return to individual training is a positive sign, a definitive timeline for his return to competitive action remains unclear. The club will likely continue to adopt a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery.
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