Manchester City fans can finally breathe a bit easier, as midfield general Rodri is back in full training. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who’s been out once again following his return from his brutal ACL and meniscus injury suffered in 2024.
After making his long-awaited return, the Spanish midfielder suffered another relapse in Manchester City’s 1-nil victory over Brentford, but fans can be more relaxed now as the midfielder is back in training.
His absence had left a gaping hole in City’s structure. Without him, Guardiola’s side often looked disjointed, control faded, rhythm broke down, and that trademark midfield balance was gone. Rodri isn’t just another holding midfielder; he’s the heartbeat of the team, the one who breaks up play and starts attacks with frightening calmness.
Losing him derailed City’s campaign last season; they stumbled out of the Champions League early and couldn’t hold on to their Premier League crown. Even since the start of the new season, Softfootball reports that the team have been struggling badly with him, recently losing 1-nil to Aston Villa away from home.
Manchester City revealed that the team has switched focus to their upcoming EFL Cup game against Swansea in a post via the team’s official X account:
They Posted:
Interestingly, Manchester City will be looking to preserve their midfield maestro; they won’t rush him back to the thick of things, opting instead to focus completely on his fitness. Rodri’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Manchester City have looked short of control in midfield and know they can’t afford another slow start; they are already six points off early league leaders Arsenal.
If Rodri rediscovers his rhythm quickly, City might just look like City again, fluid, composed, and terrifyingly efficient, which will be bad news to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal Faithful.
