Manchester City have made waves by including injured midfielder Rodri in their updated Champions League squad for the knockout phase. This move raises hopes among fans for the Spaniard's potential return to action later in the tournament. Rodri has been sidelined since tearing his ACL during a match against Arsenal on September 22, but his presence on the roster suggests he might feature again if City progresses past their upcoming challenge against Real Madrid.
The draw against Real Madrid kicks off the knockout phase, with the first leg slated for February 11 at City’s Etihad Stadium and the return leg set for February 19 at the Bernabéu. Following recent statements from City manager Pep Guardiola, which indicate cautious optimism about Rodri’s recovery, supporters are left wondering if the Ballon d'Or winner will take to the pitch this season.
Rodri has shown ambition to return by the time of the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place this June in the U.S. His recovery timeline initially projected a six-to-seven-month absence from action, which could extend his sidelined status past the current Champions League matches. Guardiola noted the importance of not rushing Rodri back too soon: “The body is the body, and recovery needs its own time,” Guardiola remarked during recent press interactions. This highlights the balance between ambition and the need for caution with such serious injuries.
Manchester City also made significant adjustments to their squad for this round by including January signings Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov. All these new players will be eligible to compete against Real Madrid, with the club opting to exclude teenage defender Vitor Reis, who was signed from Palmeiras for €35 million. Reis, having yet to make his debut for City, will be available only for domestic competitions.
The decision to include Rodri alongside the new recruits reflects City's strategy as they seek to navigate through the tough competition of the Champions League. Currently, City are battling to uphold their status as the reigning champions, having secured the title last season after defeating Inter Milan. With Rodri's winning goal etched in memory, fans are left holding onto hope for his return, even if only for the concluding stages of the season.
City's path to the knockout stage has not been without its trials. They barely scraped through to this round, finishing 22nd overall among group stage teams. Given the expectations, the upcoming games against Madrid are not just pivotal—they're must-win scenarios. Winning the Champions League remains a bold goal for City and Guardiola expressed skepticism over their chances earlier this season, describing his views on their progress as pragmatic: “Right now, no (I don’t). I’m so pragmatic, the reality is the reality,” he said, after reflecting on their latest match against Club Brugge.
The stakes are high for City as they enter this knockout phase. With Rodri's experience, the team stands to gain immensely if he can make even a partial return. The upcoming matches against Real Madrid, known for their formidable presence in the Champions League, will be the real test of City's resilience, especially if they aim to claim victory without their star midfielder.
Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, hoping to see Rodri don the City jersey again before the season concludes. With the added pressure of completing the Champions League rounds, City will need to adapt quickly, both to the absence of Rodri and the challenges posed by new opponents. The combination of team chemistry, strategic planning from Guardiola, and the skill of new signings will be put to the test as City faces off against one of the most successful teams in Champions League history.
Although qualifying for the knockout rounds is no small feat, the real challenge lies in outcomes. Should Manchester City go deep enough to reach the finals come May 31, when the final match is set to take place in Munich, the question looms: will Rodri be there to contribute?
For now, Manchester City fans hold their breath, weighing hope against the realities presented by injuries and player availability. The inclusion of Rodri remains more than just optimism; it symbolizes the fragility and unpredictability of sports, where triumph can hinge on the health, readiness, and strategic decisions surrounding key players.
Lastly, as the Champions League knockout rounds commence, the pressure mounts on City, and every choice made—be it player inclusion or game strategy—could shape their season. For fans, this thrilling ride is only beginning, with every match promising both anxiety and excitement.