Rodri Expected to Take Two Months to Reach Full Fitness

Manchester City midfielder Rodri will require around two months to return to full fitness following a groin injury, according to journalist Guillem Balague.

The 29-year-old sustained the problem during the Club World Cup defeat to Al Hilal earlier this summer. Although he has resumed light and collective training, City’s medical staff are managing his workload to avoid aggravating the injury.

Balague noted that while Rodri may feature in games before the two-month mark, his optimal performance level is not expected until later in the autumn. Manager Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, Ilkay Gundogan, and Rico Lewis in deeper midfield roles until then.

City remain confident of retaining the Ballon d’Or winner, with a contract extension to 2030 under consideration that would make him the club’s second-highest earner. Balague stressed there is “zero chance” of a move to Real Madrid during the current transfer window.

FAQ

• What is Rodri’s current status? – In light training, not yet fully fit.
• When will he be at peak fitness? – In approximately two months.
• Could he play before then? – Yes, but in limited minutes.
• Is he leaving City? – No, a contract renewal is planned.

Conclusion

Manchester City will have to manage without a fully fit Rodri for the early part of the season, but the club is confident he will return to his best before the year’s end and remain a central figure at the Etihad for years to come.