Rodri faces two-month frustration over Manchester City fitness | OneFootball

Manchester City are not expected to welcome back a fully-fit Rodri into their set-up for another two months, a journalist has revealed.

The news comes as somewhat of a fresh blow to City supporters already aware of Rodri’s ongoing recovery from a groin setback sustained during the FIFA Club World Cup last-16 defeat to Al Hilal earlier this summer.

While the Spaniard has since returned to light and collective first-team training in recent weeks, his fitness has remained under close supervision, with Pep Guardiola’s staff determined to avoid aggravating the issue.

Rodri’s absence from full competitive sharpness will be keenly felt in the early part of the campaign. The 29-year-old is not only a tactical cornerstone in Guardiola’s midfield but also a leadership figure, having stepped into an increasingly vocal role within the dressing room.

His influence was instrumental in securing a staggering amount of silverware over the last three seasons in particular, and his Ballon d’Or win last Autumn further cemented his reputation as the best in his position.

This latest fitness update also follows a turbulent summer of speculation over Rodri’s future, with Real Madrid heavily linked as Etihad officials continue to prepare a new long-term contract offer that would make him the second-highest paid player at the club.

For now, according to journalist Guillem Balague, Rodri has got ‘at least two more months’ before he ‘gets his best version’ back for Manchester City, should injuries not slow down the process of recovery.

As for the Spaniard’s future amid consistent links to La Liga giants Real Madrid this summer, Balague makes clear that Rodri ‘has zero chances of leaving’ the Etihad Stadium during the ongoing market.

While this timeline means Rodri could feature in matches before the two-month mark, Manchester City fans may have to wait until deep into the autumn to see him performing at his world-class peak again.

Manager Pep Guardiola is expected to manage his minutes carefully, possibly rotating with the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, Ilkay Gundogan, or even Rico Lewis in the deeper midfield roles.

In the bigger picture, the club’s confidence in keeping Rodri long-term remains unwavering. Should the proposed contract extension to 2030 be finalised, it would not only end Real Madrid’s pursuit but also secure the services of a player many view as the heartbeat of City’s modern era.

Until then, the focus will be on a gradual build-up in training, and ensuring that when Rodri does return to full throttle, he is perhaps ready to dominate once more for Manchester City and get the squad back to its competitive best.