- Rodri has returned to partial first-team training
- Pep Guardiola hopes the midfielder can play again this season
- Man City are still trying to keep pressure on Arsenal
Rodri could still play again for Manchester City this season after Pep Guardiola delivered a positive update on the midfielder’s recovery.
Rodri hasn’t featured this season since sustaining a groin injury during City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal last month.
The Spaniard’s absence has arrived at a crucial stage of the title race. Man City are still trying to keep pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side, who are at the top of the Premier League.
However, Pep Guardiola has now suggested that Rodri is making progress even if the club are not ready to rush him back immediately.
Rodri returns to partial Man City training
Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri returned to partial first-team training on Thursday. Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash against Brentford, the manager provided the update.
However, the Catalan manager wasn’t sure regarding the Spaniard’s availability for the game against Brentford.
Pep Guardiola pre-match press conference
“He started to make partial training, and today we’ll see… I hope [he plays again this season]. I hope so,” Guardiola said in the pre-match press conference.
That is an encouraging update for City, especially given the timing of the midfielder’s injury. City are expected to assess him further before deciding whether he can be involved against Brentford.
Guardiola right to be cautious with Rodri
Rodri remains the control point of Guardiola’s midfield alongside Bernardo Silva, who is set to leave the club this summer.
Nevertheless, rushing the Spaniard back before he is fully ready could create bigger problems than City’s current ones.
The Citizens remain in the title race, and Arsenal is ahead. Likewise, every game carries huge weight following their 3-3 draw against Everton.
However, that is no reason to jeopardise Rodri’s long-term well-being, especially just to win a few more trophies this campaign.
Rodri stats show why Man City need him back
Rodri’s possible return matters because of the control he offers in the midfield. In the Premier League this season, the Spaniard has averaged 87.34 passes per 90, the most of any defensive midfielder in the league.
This underscores his role as the game’s tempo controller. He is the transition between defence and attack for Man City.
He also averaged 5.44 long balls per 90, again the highest of any defensive midfielder in the league. However, Rodri isn’t all about volume, with 90.3% passing accuracy and 69.9% long-ball accuracy, he is also amongst the best decision makers in the English top-flight.
Defensively, he’s won 65.8% of duels, again ranking as the best. After being the tempo controller on the ball, he is also the lead when it comes to defensive transitions.
