Rodri injury boost not all it seems as Man City face balancing act

Rodri has returned to full Manchester City training after a spell on the sidelines.

Rodri's return to full Manchester City training offers a clear boost to the Blues - but we've been here before.

Rodri has had a stop-start campaign as he continues to feel his way back into full form and fitness following his knee injury suffered against Arsenal 13 months ago.

The midfielder has been in and out of the side with issues and has, understandably, yet to find his top level.

The player himself spoke of his desire to be fit for Everton's visit to the Etihad earlier this month having suffered a hamstring issue at Brentford prior to the October international break.

That game, and the subsequent two at Villarreal and Aston Villa, ultimately proved beyond the Spaniard. Swansea City in the Carabao Cup also seems a step too far given his fitness issues and a recent return to full training.

City and Rodri must be careful on the comeback trail. Pep Guardiola uses the phrase 'step-by-step' a lot when discussing players returning to fitness. For Rodri, it must be baby step by baby step.

He will know his body better than anyone, but City must equally make sure they are not bowing to his desire to play over long-term durability.

It is a difficult, perhaps even impossible, balancing act between player and club but one City and Rodri must get right.

Niggles and knocks are expected on the back of such a serious knee injury, it is commonplace for players to break down on the comeback trail. But at some stage the cycle must be broken, even if it that means taking a bit more time to recover now, for long-term gain down the line.

Until the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner can come through regular matches and find his rhythm, City might struggle to find theirs.

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