Guardiola surprised by Rodri's progress, hints at early return

Initially ruled out for the entire 2024/25 season, Rodri has shown significant progress in training, boosting hopes that he may feature before the Club World Cup or even in the Premier League.
Speaking about his key midfielder's recovery, Guardiola was cautiously optimistic. "Rodri looks good! We won't make a stupid decision, of course. He's not close yet, but… touching the ball, he feels now confident, happy," he told reporters.
The Manchester City manager also admitted that he did not anticipate such swift progress. "I didn't expect this, but he could be back before the Club World Cup, already in the Premier League maybe," Guardiola added.
With City struggling in both domestic and European competitions, the player's early return could be a significant boost. Guardiola, however, remains careful not to rush the player back, knowing his presence could be vital in the crucial stages of the season.