Midfielder Rodri says he is targeting a return to action for Manchester City before the end of the season.
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri sustained what looked to be a season-ending ACL knee injury in City's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September and underwent surgery.
The Premier League season ends on Sunday 25 May, and Man City could potentially be involved in the UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena, in Germany, six days later.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup then takes place in the United States between 15 June and 13 July and speaking to Spanish show COPE on Monday, Rodri said: “I’m aiming to play this season.
“Now the seasons are getting longer and the Club World Cup ends on 13 July. I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge.
“I’ve already started walking, and I feel better mentally than I thought I would."
Rodri, who was on crutches when he collected his Ballon d'Or award last month, also shared his thoughts on why he beat Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr to the honour.
“I won because of consistency, which is the hardest thing in football," he added. "I was the most consistent player this season.
“I never thought I could repeat a season (2023/24) like the one I had last year (2022/23).”
Speaking about his contract situation, with his deal running until the summer of 2027, he said: “Renewing with City isn’t my priority right now. I want to recover and we’ll see what happens.
“I like to live in the present. I have a contract with City and I’m very, very happy there. I’m not closing any doors.”
Adapting without Rodri
It would certainly be a boost for Man City if is able to return earlier than expected.
Although Guardiola has tried to adapt to Rodri's absence, it has been a tall order for the Man City manager who has also had to contend with injuries to fellow midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden this season with Jack Grealish and Oscar Bobb also missing a significant number of matches.
In 2023/24, Rodri started more matches (50) and played more minutes (4,325) than any of his team-mates, and prior to the Arsenal match, he had missed just 21 of Man City’s 195 Premier League matches (10.8 per cent).
Despite City's recent poor results, they are still second in the Premier League, although they now trail leaders Liverpool, who they visit on 1 December, by five points.
Guardiola’s side return after the international break with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 23 November.
