Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri could make a return to action before the season concludes.

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On Friday, the club shared footage of the Spain midfielder in training, sparking excitement among fans just hours before City secured their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a victory over Plymouth Argyle.

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Despite the buzz, club officials remain cautious, refusing to set a definite timeline for Rodri’s comeback. However, given his absence has been deeply felt—City currently sit fourth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 20 points after suffering eight league defeats—it’s no surprise that his potential return has stirred anticipation.

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For the first time since Rodri sustained a serious knee injury against Arsenal in September, Guardiola has expressed optimism about the 28-year-old’s chances of featuring again this season. With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon in June, his return would be a major boost for City.

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"The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited," said the City boss. "It's been five months or six months.

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"But [it's] one step at a time. We don't have to make stupid decisions [for him] to come weeks earlier. He's not close to coming back, but he's touching the ball and is in the locker room.

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"He feels confident and happy.

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"I could not expect before [him to return] before the end of the season, not even for the [Club] World Cup, but maybe it's going to happen."

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Guardiola also confirmed defender Nathan Ake will have more tests on a problem he fears might keep the Netherlands international out for some time.

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"He struggles sometimes with the feet," he added. "It's been like this the whole season with the central defenders."

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Ake, 30, has been restricted to 18 appearances so far this season due to a succession of short-term injuries and was taken off at half-time against Plymouth.

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Fellow defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji also missed the FA Cup win through injury.

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