Pep Guardiola will not rush Rodri return as he looks at long-term recovery

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed most of last season after suffering a serious knee injury and his attempts at a comeback this term have met with repeated frustration.

Manchester City have badly missed Rodri since he suffered a serious injury over a year ago (Martin Rickett/PA)

Pep Guardiola admits Rodri could be “a few weeks” away from returning and accepts it may be next season before he is back to his best.

Yet even so, the Manchester City boss believes the midfielder will still make an enormous difference to his side when he is fit again, just by his mere presence.