Pep Guardiola could regain a key player for Manchester City ahead of FA Cup final: -‘The Citizens’ savior?

Manchester City has struggled in Rodri Hernández’s absence. The team’s defensive solidity and midfield dominance have noticeably waned, impacting results. The Spanish international’s return to training signals a potential turning point.

Seven months after his injury setback, Manchester City‘s midfield linchpin, Rodri Hernández, is on the cusp of a return to the pitch. The defensive midfielder completed training with the City squad today, fueling speculation that his presence in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace is increasingly likely.

A few days ago, fans caught a glimpse of the player training individually. Manager Pep Guardiola hinted that his return was drawing nearer, stating, “He is training very well, and I know he wants to play, but that will be determined by the doctors.” Guardiola had previously cautioned against rushing his return some months ago.

Now, Rodri’s comeback is closer than ever. The Spanish international sustained a ligament injury to his right knee last September. Seven months later, he is entering the final stretch of his recovery process. The video from City training shows Rodri confidently touching the ball alongside his teammates, a clear sign of progress.

“You’ll see the day Rodri comes back,” Pep had previously expressed, keenly aware of the problems his absence has caused. Guardiola is evidently relieved and eagerly anticipating the opportunity to once again have one of his key players available.

City’s struggles and Rodri’s impact

Manchester City has arguably been experiencing one of their least impressive seasons in terms of both performance and results. Rodri’s absence has been cited as a major factor contributing to the team’s current state. His ability to shield the defense, break up opposition attacks, and dictate the tempo of the game has been sorely missed. The statistics bear this out; City’s win percentage and defensive solidity have both demonstrably declined in Rodri’s absence.

The FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17th is emerging as the ideal stage for Rodri to return to the squad, and perhaps even to the field of play.

Guardiola’s cautious optimism

While the return of such a vital player would ordinarily be met with unbridled enthusiasm, Guardiola is likely to temper expectations and proceed with caution. Knee ligament injuries can be notoriously difficult to fully recover from, and premature returns can lead to setbacks that delay recovery further.

Given City’s ambitions on multiple fronts (potentially including a late surge for the Premier League title), it would be tempting to rush Rodri back into action. However, Guardiola has previously expressed a commitment to prioritizing the player’s long-term well-being over short-term gains, a sentiment that is likely to hold true in this case.

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