Rodri and Haaland Return to Training, Confirms Manchester City Manager Guardiola

Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City, has resumed training for the first time since he endured a significant knee injury back in September, as confirmed by manager Pep Guardiola on Thursday.

The absence of the Spain international, who underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, has been highlighted as a key factor in City’s struggle to secure a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Although the 28-year-old Ballon d’Or winner’s recovery appears to have come too late for him to make an impact this season, his return to training is a promising sign for the club.

Guardiola also noted that their Norwegian forward, Erling Haaland, has returned to training after missing matches since March 30 due to an ankle injury. However, it is unlikely that he will be available for the home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Guardiola stated that Rodri will be under the supervision of the club’s medical team before a timeline for his return is established.

“As soon as the physiotherapist and doctors confirm that Rodri can start playing again, he’ll be on the pitch. But it’s up to the medical team to determine that,” Guardiola remarked on Thursday.

“It was a tough injury. The medical staff estimated a recovery time of between seven and eleven months.”

“He feels great; he’s been training consistently, but we need to take the proper steps to prevent any setbacks or further injuries.”

Haaland, aged 24, sustained his ankle injury during the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth in March, resulting in him missing five league matches, as well as the FA Cup semi-final win against Nottingham Forest.

Currently, City sits fourth in the Premier League with 61 points amassed over 34 matches, engaged in a fierce competition with six other clubs for a spot in the Champions League, with the top five guaranteed entry.

Meanwhile, Wolves are in remarkable form, visiting The Etihad Stadium on Friday with six consecutive wins under their belt.

“I’m not surprised by Wolves’ success,” Guardiola commented. “They’ve consistently had strong players over the years, and now they’re on an impressive run.”

“This match is reminiscent of the encounters we had with Newcastle and Aston Villa a month ago. Each game feels like a final for us. We’re heading into the first of four finals.”