Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been pictured back in training ahead of this weekend’s game against West Ham.
The Spanish international has not played any part in the Cityzens’ first three matches against Manchester United (in the Community Shield), Chelsea and Ipswich (in the Premier League).
Rodri needed additional time off to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained in the European Championship final last month, but supporters on X are delighted that he has now returned to full fitness:
Excellent news.
— Mohammed (@mbaalt8) August 28, 2024
love it💙💙
— ✳️ (@arampape) August 28, 2024
Finally 👍🏽
— Malosha💙 #SharkTeam🦈 (@Malosha_Esq) August 28, 2024
Oh, the Premier League has officially been locked in
— Sama (@rwotsama) August 28, 2024
Finally king is back
— 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗸𝗮 🧜♀️ (@DeepikaDir) August 28, 2024
King of all midfielders has returned.
— Radu Cristian (@radhoo12) August 28, 2024
Ballon d’or here we come
— Josh (@Joshua_MCI) August 28, 2024
The best player in the world is back. Life is worth living again.
— CITY DINHO (@MCFC_Dinho) August 28, 2024
Good news! City cooking!
— Mark Lundie (@MarkLundie1) August 28, 2024
On the bench Saturday me thinks
— Troy🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@troyboy621) August 28, 2024
City may ease the midfielder back into things
After spending a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and having had no pre-season, it would be a surprise if Rodri started against the Hammers on Saturday evening.
The 28-year-old may get some minutes off the bench at the London Stadium before increasing his workload during and after the international break.
Guardiola’s side have some big fixtures coming up
Rodri’s return would be warmly welcomed at any time due to his importance to the team but September is a particularly busy month.
City face Brentford, Arsenal and Newcastle in the league, while there will also be fixtures in the Carabao Cup and the Champions League to contend with. Having Rodri available for those matches will undoubtedly be a massive boost.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
