Pep Guardiola has admitted there is a chance Rodri could make his return from an ACL injury before Manchester City’s season comes to a close.

The Ballon d’Or winner went down just five weeks into the season and Guardiola initially declared Rodri would not be seen again until next year, although the player himself has always aimed for a comeback in the post-season Club World Cup tournament in July.

His confidence was boosted last week when Rodri made his return to individual training which, while still a long way away from a competitive comeback, represents a significant boost for the 28-year-old.

Now, Guardiola has conceded Rodri could be successful in his goal to return before the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

“The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,” Guardiola admitted. “It’s been five months or six months.

“But [it’s] one step at a time. We don’t have to make stupid decisions [for him] to come weeks earlier. He’s not close to coming back, but he’s touching the ball and is in the locker room. He feels confident and happy.

“I could not expect before [to return] before the end of the season, not even for the [Club] World Cup, but maybe it’s going to happen.”

Injuries have been a problem for City all season and the issues persist for Guardiola, who confirmed Nathan Ake could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines alongside fellow defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji.