Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has surprised many by deciding to register Rodri for the Champions League knockout stages. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, sidelined since September with a serious ACL injury, initially looked sure to miss the entire campaign. Yet recent developments suggest a window for him to rejoin the team and bolster their pursuit of Europe’s most prized trophy.
Guardiola has long praised Rodri’s influence on the pitch, but the manager openly admitted that losing him contributed to City’s winter slump, during which they lost nine of twelve matches. The hope is that by the time the Champions League semifinals arrive in late spring, Rodri’s recovery could be far enough along to make a difference against potential heavyweights.
A daring move or a masterstroke?
“I don’t give up,” Rodri said when asked about a possible early return. “My target is to come back this season. I don’t want to make any mistakes, but I’m aiming for six or seven months.” That kind of confidence, paired with City’s desperate need for midfield stability, has fueled Guardiola’s decision. The club has already lost Kyle Walker to AC Milan, so there’s room in the Champions League squad to add new signings while keeping a spot for the Spaniard.
Reinforcements like Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov have joined, but none possess Rodri’s unique presence. Mateo Kovacic has filled the role as best he can, even grabbing a crucial goal in the group stage, yet Guardiola knows the team’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown may hinge on a timely Rodri comeback. If City advance past their playoff tie, they’ll face another daunting challenge against clubs like Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid, making the need for seasoned midfield leadership even more urgent.
Manchester City’s medical staff will monitor Rodri’s progress carefully. The risk of aggravating an ACL injury is significant, and no one wants to compromise the 27-year-old’s long-term fitness. Still, there’s a sense of optimism in the air, fueled by Rodri’s own determination and Guardiola’s belief in his squad’s capacity to adapt around him until he’s cleared to return. If all goes well, Rodri could step back onto the biggest stage of European football before the end of May, offering City exactly what they need when it counts most.
