Rodri Moves Closer to His Return as Manchester City Starts to Believe Again

Manchester City can finally breathe. After weeks of uncertainty, Rodri, the most influential midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s project and the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, is getting closer to returning to action. His absence has deeply affected the team’s rhythm during an irregular stretch without its guiding force in the middle. Although his comeback seems imminent, Guardiola insists that the process must be handled with extreme caution to avoid yet another setback.

The Spaniard’s season has been a roller coaster marked by injuries that have kept him from performing at his best. But now, with crucial fixtures approaching, City hopes to finally recover its most strategic piece.

A Recent Injury History That Pushed City to the Limit

Rodri’s ordeal began with a devastating ACL rupture in September 2024, an injury that sidelined him for almost the entire season. When he finally returned for this campaign, a series of hamstring issues further disrupted his rhythm. His relapse after the match against Brentford reignited alarms: the Spaniard has played just eight games all season.

In his absence, City has lost balance, control, and tactical clarity. It is no coincidence that the team’s worst performances have lined up with Rodri’s absences. Without him, possession becomes fragile, pressing loses cohesion, and opponents gain more space than usual.

Even internationally, Spain was forced to play key World Cup 2026 qualifiers without him. His importance is no longer debatable: Rodri is the axis of both City and the national team.

Guardiola Breaks His Silence: Optimism, Caution, and a Key Message

Ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola was clear: “Not long.” A message that thrills fans but also carries a warning. According to the manager, Rodri is progressing well, but his return will not be rushed; the club wants to avoid forcing him and risking another injury.

Guardiola has emphasized that speeding up the process would be irresponsible, especially considering Rodri’s recent history. He wants him back, but he wants him healthy. “We will wait a little longer to make sure he is ready,” he insisted.

The situation further complicates City’s defensive and tactical setup, especially with Mateo Kovacic also unavailable, another hit to a midfield that has lost depth at the most demanding point of the season.

City Between Anxiety and Hope: Rodri Will Define the Season

The recent slip against Newcastle, combined with inconsistency in the Premier League, made it clear that City lacks leadership in the engine room. Losses that once seemed impossible now appear on the schedule, and the pressure to stay in the title race grows heavier by the week.

With Arsenal and Chelsea pushing hard, City knows that getting Rodri back could be the turning point needed to regain dominance. The Spaniard’s return is not just about recovering technique or structure: it is about recovering identity.

The conclusion is near. City waits, Guardiola manages the timeline, and fans keep their fingers crossed. Everything suggests that Rodri is ready to return… but the risk of another relapse still lingers like a shadow no one dares to ignore.