Manchester City has included Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, popularly known as Rodri, into the squad for the knockout stages of their Champions League campaign. The Spaniard was initially ruled out until the end of the season due to an ACL injury he picked up against Arsenal in September. However, club manager Pep Guardiola believes the 28-year-old could be back before the end of the season.

Rodri also stated in an episode of “The Rest is Football Podcast” that he aims to be back before the end of the season. “My target is to come back this season,” he said. “I think, in terms of my mentality, it’s going to be positive for me to not give up the season and throw it. I don’t know when… my target is six, seven months, but the physios will dictate.”

Manchester City will play Real Madrid for a spot in the round of 16, with the first leg taking place on February 11^th and the second on February 19^th. It’s unlikely that Rodri will be back before then.

Alongside Rodri, new signings Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez have been added to the squad.

 Nineteen-year-old Vitor Reis has been left out, but Manchester City still maintains that the £35m winter signing is a crucial part of the club’s long-term project.