The announcement from Manchester City on February 28, 2025, that Rodri, the club’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, has returned to individual training has brought a wave of optimism to the Etihad Stadium. The 28-year-old Spanish international had been sidelined since September due to a serious knee injury, specifically a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This setback, which kept him off the pitch for several months, has not only been a personal challenge for Rodri but also a significant blow to his team, Manchester City. Without him, the club has faced difficulties, slipping 20 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and suffering a devastating exit from the Champions League.
However, this moment of Rodri’s return to training has sparked renewed hope, both for the player and his fans. City released a video on Friday evening showing Rodri going through some solo drills at the club’s Etihad Campus, a sight that gave Manchester City fans a reason to smile, even if it was a small step in a much longer journey.
Rodri’s injury was a major setback for Manchester City. ACL injuries are among the most severe that a footballer can suffer, often requiring a prolonged recovery process that can take many months. In some cases, players never fully return to their previous form. The impact of Rodri’s injury on Manchester City’s season has been far-reaching. He has been a cornerstone of the team, not just in midfield but as a player who embodies the style of play that manager Pep Guardiola has implemented at the club.
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since joining the club from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, winning multiple Premier League titles and being integral to City’s success in domestic and international competitions. His presence in the center of the park allowed City to dominate possession and control the tempo of games. His ability to break up opposition attacks, make precise passes, and offer a defensive shield in front of the backline was unmatched.
When news broke in September 2024 that Rodri had ruptured his ACL, it sent shockwaves through the club. The severity of the injury meant that Rodri would miss a significant portion of the 2024-2025 season, and many feared that City’s chances of competing on multiple fronts had taken a massive hit.
Without Rodri, Manchester City has struggled to replicate the level of performance that made them one of Europe’s most dominant teams in recent years. The loss of their midfield maestro has been particularly evident in their Premier League campaign, where they have found themselves 20 points behind leaders Liverpool. While the team still boasts incredible depth, Rodri’s absence has exposed the limitations in City’s midfield, particularly in terms of controlling the tempo of matches and providing defensive solidity.
City’s form in the Champions League has also been significantly impacted. Rodri’s absence was felt keenly in their knockout tie against Real Madrid, where City was eliminated in the play-off stage. Without the Spanish international’s leadership and presence, Guardiola’s side struggled to cope with Madrid’s relentless attacking play, eventually bowing out of the competition.
The team’s struggles have been compounded by a series of injuries to other key players, leaving Guardiola to shuffle his lineup frequently. City has tried to adjust to life without Rodri, but the team has been far from the cohesive, dominant force they were in the previous seasons.
While the club has a wealth of talent in its ranks, the loss of a player of Rodri’s caliber has been difficult to overcome. His ability to influence games in both defensive and offensive situations has been sorely missed. Despite the challenges, the team’s management and coaching staff have remained resilient, focusing on the long-term recovery and eventual return of their star midfielder
Pep Guardiola, who has been managing Manchester City since 2016, has always been known for his meticulous approach to player fitness and recovery. Despite the excitement surrounding Rodri’s return to individual training, Guardiola has been careful not to raise expectations too quickly.
In a recent statement, Guardiola remarked: “The most important thing for Rodri now is to recover well. It’s going really well, and he feels really good, but step by step, we will see.” This cautious approach is typical of Guardiola, who knows all too well the demands placed on players recovering from serious injuries. The last thing he wants is for Rodri to rush his recovery, only to suffer a setback that could derail his long-term fitness.
Rodri has been an integral part of Guardiola’s tactical setup, and the manager has emphasized the need for a careful and considered recovery process. The decision to ease him back into training slowly reflects this philosophy. Guardiola is aware that bringing Rodri back too soon could be counterproductive, especially with the intensity of City’s remaining fixtures in the 2024-2025 season
Despite Guardiola’s cautious stance, the news of Rodri returning to individual training is undoubtedly a positive sign. The footage released by Manchester City on February 28 showed the midfielder going through a series of drills on the training pitch, demonstrating that he is making progress in his recovery. Although it is clear that he is still some way from being fully fit, the sight of him running, turning, and kicking the ball was enough to excite fans and fuel speculation about when he might return to competitive action.
With nearly three months left in the domestic season, there is a chance that Rodri could make an appearance before the end of the 2024-2025 campaign. This would be a huge boost for Manchester City, especially considering the importance of the final stretch of the season. While City’s hopes of defending their Premier League title may be slim, they will still be aiming to finish as high as possible and secure a place in the Champions League for the following season.
One of the most significant factors in the potential return of Rodri is the Club World Cup in June 2025. Manchester City will be competing in the prestigious tournament in the United States, and having Rodri back in the squad would be a tremendous asset. With the 2025-2026 season fast approaching, the opportunity for Guardiola’s team to build momentum heading into the new campaign will be crucial.
Rodri’s return, even if it is just for a few appearances, would provide Manchester City with a boost of confidence heading into the Club World Cup. It would also give Guardiola a chance to integrate him back into the team before the start of the new season, ensuring that the midfielder is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
As Manchester City continues to navigate the 2024-2025 season without their star midfielder, the club’s prospects remain uncertain. However, the return of Rodri, whenever it happens, will be a pivotal moment in the team’s journey. His presence in midfield is not only vital for City’s success on the pitch but also for the overall balance and structure of Guardiola’s tactical setup
Rodri’s return to action could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season, even if it is unlikely to be enough to catch Liverpool in the Premier League race. With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish continuing to play at a high level, City still has the tools to finish strongly and potentially secure a top-four finish.
Looking ahead, Manchester City’s ambitions for the 2025-2026 season will heavily rely on Rodri’s fitness and form. If he can return to his best, the team will be better equipped to challenge on multiple fronts. The absence of Rodri has exposed some of the gaps in City’s midfield, and his return will undoubtedly provide the team with the defensive stability and midfield control that they have been missing.
In conclusion, while Rodri’s return to training is an important milestone in his recovery, there is still much to be done before he can make a full return to competitive action. Guardiola’s cautious approach is the right one, as rushing Rodri back too soon could lead to further setbacks. However, as the domestic season winds down and the Club World Cup approaches, there is hope that Rodri will be ready to contribute once again to Manchester City’s quest for success.
For now, Manchester City fans can take solace in the fact that their star midfielder is back on the training pitch, slowly but surely working his way toward a return to action. The journey ahead will require patience, but with Rodri back in the fold, the future looks brighter for both the player and the club.
When will Rodri play
next match hopefully