Rodri targeting early return from injury as Man City struggle for form | Football [Video]

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is aiming to return from injury this season, despite having been ruled out for the campaign due to a serious knee injury.

The Ballon d’Or winner suffered an ACL injury in the Premier League clash with Arsenal in September, which appeared to have ended his season.

City manager Pep Guardiola said of his key player on 27 September: ‘He had surgery this morning – ACL and some meniscus, so next season he will be here. This season is over.

‘We got the worst [news possible] but it is what it is. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are there to support him. Good recovery, step by step and we move forward.’

The Premier League champions have been struggling for form without their holding midfielder and have lost their last four matches in all competitions, including top flight defeats to Bournemouth and Brighton.

Rodri is not rushing back to solve a crisis, but …