Man City Stars Near Comeback Ahead of FA Cup Final | OneFootball

Rodri Injury Update and Man City Fitness News Before FA Cup Final

Haaland Returns but Man City Falter at Southampton

Manchester City were handed a timely boost over the weekend with Erling Haaland making his return to action, having recovered from the ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth on March 30. The Norwegian striker had missed seven matches across all competitions but was back in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI for Saturday’s clash with Southampton, completing the full 90 minutes at St Mary’s.

Despite Haaland’s comeback and City’s overwhelming dominance—over 70% possession and 26 shots—the Premier League champions failed to break down an already-relegated Southampton side. A frustrating 0-0 draw dealt a blow to their Champions League qualification campaign.

Rodri Recovery Still in Progress

Rodri remains the most pressing concern for Guardiola. The Spanish midfielder has not featured since suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during City’s loss to Arsenal in September. Following surgery in Barcelona, he was widely expected to miss the remainder of the season.

However, in a twist that could yet prove decisive, Rodri has been making steady progress. Individual training began in February, and he has since returned to full team sessions. Despite that development, Guardiola was cautious when asked for an update before the Southampton match.

There is an outside chance he could feature on the bench for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley. Realistically, though, Rodri may only be in contention for the remaining league fixtures—against Bournemouth and Fulham—before City travel to the United States for the Club World Cup.

Photo: IMAGO

Injury Uncertainty for John Stones

John Stones continues to be sidelined with a thigh injury picked up during City’s Champions League elimination against Real Madrid in February. Initially projected to be out for up to 10 weeks, he has not required surgery, but updates on his recovery have been limited.

Stones’ condition was not discussed in Guardiola’s recent media duties, leaving doubts over his availability for the rest of the campaign. For now, his return date remains uncertain.

Potential return date: Unknown

Ake and Bobb Target Bournemouth Return

Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are both working towards a comeback, with Bournemouth at home on 20 May a realistic target for both.

Ake has been sidelined since March with a foot fracture suffered in the FA Cup win over Plymouth. After undergoing surgery, he has resumed partial team training but was not deemed ready to feature at Southampton. Guardiola has hinted that a return before the FA Cup final is unlikely.

Potential return date: Tuesday 20 May vs Bournemouth (H)

Bobb, on the other hand, has been in and out of contention this season. Having initially fractured his leg shortly after the Community Shield, the 21-year-old winger made a couple of brief appearances last month before a minor hamstring setback ruled him out again. He has also rejoined partial training.

Potential return date: Tuesday 20 May vs Bournemouth (H)

Outlook for Final Weeks of the Season

City are hopeful that one or more of their sidelined stars could play a role in what remains a crucial few weeks. With the FA Cup final looming and the Club World Cup on the horizon, Guardiola will want as many key names fit and firing as possible.

As it stands, Rodri’s situation continues to draw the most attention. His absence has been frequently cited as a primary reason for City’s inconsistent form, and his return could be the catalyst needed to finish the season strongly.