Rodri hopes to be back BEFORE end of Man City’s season as injured Ballon d’Or winner eyes another trophy

RODRI hopes to be back in action for Manchester City before the season ends.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri hopes to return from injury before the end of the season[/caption]

He suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal in September[/caption]

Man City boss Pep Guardiola said it would be the start of the 2025-26 campaign by the time the Spanish midfielder was fit again.

But Rodri is aiming for Fifa’s Club World Cup, which takes place in the US in June and July.

City’s talisman said: “The seasons are getting longer and this one has the Club World Cup.

“It is good to have a challenge and I have it in my head to return this season — we’ll see when.”

The Prem champions hope to persuade Rodri to extend his Etihad deal, which runs until 2027.

He joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has not ruled out a return to his homeland.

Rodri added: “Renewal with City is not my priority right now.

“I want to recover and we’ll see.

“I have a contract and I’m very, very happy.

“But I see the Spanish league and I’m not closing doors.”

One factor which could affect his decision is whether Guardiola stays beyond the end of his current deal next summer.

Rodri said: “When I signed, I was told he would leave the following year… and we are still like that five years later.”