Manchester City's midfield maestro, Rodri, has made a significant step towards his return to the pitch by resuming individual training. The Spanish international, who has been sidelined since September due to a severe knee injury, was seen completing a series of drills at the club's Etihad Campus.

Rodri suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which has kept him out of action during a crucial period for the defending Premier League champions. His absence has been felt deeply, as the team has struggled in both domestic and European competitions, slipping 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool and exiting the Champions League.

The club shared footage of Rodri's training session on Friday, showcasing his progress as he performed various exercises on the first team's training pitches. While manager Pep Guardiola has cautiously managed expectations regarding Rodri's return, the footage has undoubtedly sparked optimism among the City faithful.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of a careful recovery process, stating, "The most important thing for Rodri now is to recover well. It's going really well and he feels really good, but step by step we will see."

With nearly three months of the domestic season remaining, there is a growing belief that Rodri could still play a part in City's campaign. His potential return would be especially timely, considering the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA this June. This tournament holds significant importance, as Guardiola's squad will have limited preparation time for the 2025-26 season.

Rodri's role in the team has been irreplaceable, and his absence has highlighted how crucial he is to City's success. As the club and its fans eagerly await his full recovery, the hope is that Rodri's return will bolster the team's performance in the remaining fixtures.