Rodri is “so close” to full Manchester City return reveals Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that Rodri is now “so close” to making a full return to action for the club.

The update arrives as a major boost for Manchester City supporters, who have been anxiously tracking the midfielder’s recovery ever since he sustained a groin problem during the FIFA Club World Cup defeat to Al Hilal earlier in the summer.

His absence cast a shadow over pre-season preparations and raised concerns over whether he would be fully available for the start of the new Premier League campaign, which began in brilliant circumstances as City cruised to a 0-4 win away at Wolves.

Rodri’s fitness status has been a recurring topic throughout the summer after reports revealed he had returned to light training with the squad, sparking optimism that he could be available for the opening fixture at Molineux on Saturday.

Soon after, however, journalist Guillem Balague suggested it could take up to two months before City saw the Spaniard back to his very best form, reflecting of the careful management of his workload by Manchester City’s medical team.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola told reporters of Rodri’s road to a full recovery from injury that the Spain international is now “so close” to a return as the new Premier League season got underway for City on Saturday evening.

“He’s desperate to play, we need his ambition, his personality, his quality,” Guardiola insisted. “He was [named] last season the best player in the world – so that’s why it’s really, really important to have him back.”

Pep Guardiola continued, “And for me, seeing him in training sessions and in the locker room makes me smile, makes me so happy – and he’s so close. As much as he’s not [sustaining] step backs, he’s so close to coming back.

“But coming back for a few minutes, and after more minutes, and taking one day rest and come back a few minutes and reading that is what is the most difficult thing to know exactly what is the best for him.”

Pep Guardiola’s words suggest that Rodri may be gradually reintegrated into competitive action, possibly featuring from the bench before being trusted with a full 90 minutes later in August or in September.

With Manchester City facing a demanding schedule of Premier League, League Cup, and early UEFA Champions League fixtures over the course of the coming weeks, the coaching staff will be cautious not to rush him back.

The expectation remains that Rodri will be pivotal in dictating Manchester City’s tempo as soon as he is ready, with Pep Guardiola and club officials determined to protect their star midfielder from re-injury.