- Rodri suffered an ACL injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September
- The Spaniard is a step closer to returning as he was put through his paces
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Manchester City have been handed a major boost after Rodri returned to individual training following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The midfielder has been a long-term absentee after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September.
It was anticipated that the Spain international – and reigning Ballon d’Or winner – would miss the remainder of the campaign.
However, City earlier this year indicated that Rodri could return to action before then.
The 28-year-old stepped up his recovery this week as he was put through his paces through running and football drills in a montage posted by City on Friday.
Speaking to Sky Sports during Super Bowl last month, Rodri said of his injury: ‘Well, I always say, it’s part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to these kind of things.
Manchester City have been handed a major boost after Rodri returned to individual training
Rodri has been a long-term absentee after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have struggled in the absence of the Spanish talisman
‘But I’m a very positive guy in the sense that I take it what it is. I always thank God for everything and in these kind of moments try and be positive.
‘And maybe do other stuff that I’m not used to doing, like coming here, spending more time with your family and why not try to improve other parts of your body, work on that and come back stronger.’
When quizzed about how he feels watching the games on the sidelines, the defensive midfielder added: ‘No, I don’t deal good with that. You’re more nervous, you cannot control what’s going on.
‘But yes, I try to support my team from the outside, give them my vision and help them.’
In Rodri’s absence, City have dropped to fourth in the Premier League table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s side were also knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the play-offs.
Considering Rodri’s serious injury, the City signed the former Barcelona academy player Nico Gonzalez from Porto for a fee of £50.2million.
City still remain in the hunt for silverware this season ahead of hosting Championship strugglers Plymouth in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
