Man City could receive unexpected boost as Rodri sets ambitious injury return date

Rodri could still play for Manchester City this season - if he has any say in the matter.

Ruled out for the campaign after injuring his knee against Arsenal in September, Rodri is a significant loss for City, not least because his importance was underlined recently when he was named Ballon d'Or winner.

Pep Guardiola and City have insisted that Rodri will miss the full campaign as he recovers from his ACL injury, but the midfielder is hoping to prove his manager wrong.

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Speaking for the first time about his recovery progress, Rodri is eyeing the Club World Cup as an ambitious return target given the tournament takes place across June and July.

He told COPE: "Now the seasons are getting longer and the [FIFA Club] World Cup ends on July 13, I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge.

'I've already started walking and I'm feeling better than I thought… [Spain teammate] Gavi used to say: 'I need to play football'. At my age you see it differently, you have time to rest and recover well."

Rodri attended last week's Ballon d'Or ceremony on crutches, and Guardiola has been consistent in saying the star midfielder will not feature again this season.