Ex-Man City player in a car crash, aged 41

 Ex-Man City player in a car crash, aged 41

Etihad Stadium jubilant as Manchester City striker RODRIGO returns from injury to face Liverpool on Sunday as Pep Guardiola says God has put his enemies to shame Manchester City midfielder Rodri believes he can return from his ACL injury before next year’s Club World Cup.

 

They’re expected to miss the rest of the season with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his right knee – suffered in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September – the Spaniard is now hoping to return sooner than expected.

 

Initial predictions suggested a recovery period of up to 10 months, which would put Rodrigues back well before next season.

 

However, the 27-year-old wants to speed up his rehabilitation, seeing the journey as both a physical and mental challenge.

 

In an interview with Cadena Ser, Rodri said: “There is information that the surgeon gives you, that he wants everything to go well and that it will last up to about 10 months. I’m trying to set a date for myself.” For reasons close to my heart, I am looking to finish this season.

 

Manchester City secured their place in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup by winning the Champions League in 2023.

 

Rodri played a vital role in that triumph, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Inter.

 

The revamped tournament, modelled on the World Cup, will feature eight groups of four teams followed by a knockout stage.

 

Taking place from June 15 to mid-July, the event gives Rodri a concrete goal to work towards during his recovery. and “Every year I’m going to try and get there,” he said. “I don’t know how much I’ll be able to participate, but with the Nations League and the Club World Cup at the end, in June-July, I think so.” WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY? Rodri’s absence has coincided with a turbulent period for City, marking one of the most difficult periods of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career.

 

The reigning Premier League champions have lost four games in a row, a first for Guardiola, including back-to-back league defeats to Bournemouth and Brighton. After the international break, City will look to bounce back with a tough Premier League clash against Tottenham on Novembe

r 23.