“I think in January” – Pep Guardiola issues update on Rodri’s recovery from knee injury | OneFootball

Manchester City may welcome back Rodri to the club’s training facilities as soon as January in order for the Spaniard to continue his recovery in England.

The 28-year-old remains in the process of returning from surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury and meniscus damage, undergoing the operation in the Spanish capital of Madrid earlier this year.

A challenging moment in Rodri’s personal on-field circumstances would then be followed up by the ultimate achievement in any footballer’s individual career, as he became the first defensive midfielder to win Ballon d’Or since Lothar Matthaus in 1990.

Manchester City will have their first opportunity to welcome back the Spaniard to the club following his remarkable success in Paris last month when he is presented with the award ahead of kick-off at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

But it appears as though Rodri may be a more regular figure within the City Football Academy from January, as the club holds a detailed plan to welcome him back for a stepped up recovery process at home.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s meeting with Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday evening, Pep Guardiola was able to provide a short update on the injury and fitness status of Rodri.

“It’s normal to stay for surgery in Madrid and stay with family for the first steps (of recovery). I think in January he will come back here (to Manchester City) to make a recovery,” Guardiola said.

“But I think, from what I hear from the doctors, it’s going really, really well, and his mood is good and it’s nice to see him,” he continued.

The Catalan coach continued, “He’s unique in our club, one player who has played here has got this amazing, amazing award and shares it with our people. It’s so nice, I’m looking forward to seeing him.”

It is believed that Rodri has already returned to Manchester ahead of his unveiling with the Ballon d’Or award on Saturday evening, and supporters have been encouraged to take their seats within the stadium bowl earlier this weekend.

For the time being, Manchester City will continue with their existing options in defensive midfield, but replacements to Rodri have been further restricted by a fresh injury sustained by Mateo Kovacic during the international break and duties with Croatia.