Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has given an update on Rodri’s fitness following their FA Cup quarter-final victory against Plymouth Argyle.

The Spaniard stated that Rodri is making progress in his recovery. Guardiola said: “Rodri looks good! We won’t make a stupid decision, of course. He’s not close yet, but he’s touching the ball, feeling confident, and happy.”

“I didn’t expect this, but he could be back before the Club World Cup—maybe even in the Premier League already,” he added.

Manchester City has struggled this season without Rodri, having already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League, while also being out of contention for the Premier League title. With only the FA Cup and Club World Cup left to compete for, they will need the Spaniard back to full fitness as soon as possible.

Rodri has been sidelined since September after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal. So far, he has missed 220 days of action.