Pep Guardiola hopeful of Rodri's return before end of season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recovery of midfielder Rodri, indicating his optimism that the Ballon d'Or winner will return to the field before the conclusion of the season.

Initially, Guardiola had declared Rodri's season over following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament sustained in September. However, Rodri, who aimed for an early return post-surgery, has now begun individual training sessions.

“The supporters should be aware that they are not alone in their excitement,” Guardiola remarked to reporters following Saturday's 3-1 victory against Plymouth Argyle, which secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"He was touching the ball today. He was in the locker room ... he feels more confident, he feels happier.

"I couldn't expect (it) before, but I think maybe, before the end of the season. Not even in the Club World Cup, but in the Premier League, maybe he's going to help us."

However, the manager said the club would be cautious with Rodri's recovery.

"One step at a time. We don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks earlier and (suffer) steps back. But yeah, looks good. Still, he’s not close to coming back, I would say," Guardiola said.