Manchester City are holding onto hope that their star midfielder, Rodri, will be fit to play a part in the latter stages of the Champions League, despite a serious knee injury.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee in September, initially casting doubt on his availability for the remainder of the season.
Rodri’s absence has been keenly felt by the team.
Prior to Christmas, City struggled, losing nine of twelve matches, a slump some attribute, at least in part, to the Spaniard’s unavailability.
Despite this difficult period, the team managed to secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages, where they are set to face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
City are planning to include Rodri in their squad for the knockout rounds, with re-registration allowed on February 6th.
Teams are permitted three squad changes from the group stage. City’s changes include the departure of Kyle Walker to AC Milan, and the addition of new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis.
Adding Rodri, the current world’s best player, would be a significant boost as they prepare for the challenging knockout ties.
While initial expectations were that Rodri would miss the entire season, the player himself offered a glimmer of hope before Christmas.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Rodri stated, “My target is to come back this season. I don’t give up on this season, [but] I don’t want to make any mistakes. My target is six or seven months.”
His injury occurred during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.
The timeline Rodri suggested puts a potential return in late March or early April, potentially in time for the Champions League semi-finals, should City progress that far. The final is scheduled for May 31st at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged Rodri’s absence as a contributing factor to the team’s inconsistent form this season, though he has stopped short of blaming it entirely.
City have the flexibility within their squad to register their new signings and keep Rodri available for selection.
Young players like Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis are eligible for the B List, freeing up space in the main squad.
In Rodri’s absence, Mateo Kovacic has filled in, even scoring the crucial equalizing goal against Club Brugge.
Despite Kovacic’s efforts, the club has explored short-term options for the defensive midfield role.
Douglas Luiz was considered, but only a straight loan from Juventus was possible, with the Italian club insisting on an obligation to buy.
Ederson of Atlanta was also a target, but his importance to his current club’s Champions League and Serie A campaigns made a move unlikely.
