The reigning Ballon d’Or winner was initially ruled out for the remainder of the season, but he made the bench for City’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday.
His recovery boosts City’s chances in the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins in the U.S. next month.
Rodri’s last appearance came in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on September 22, where he suffered the knee injury. In addition to the ACL tear, he also sustained meniscus damage. While such injuries typically require six to twelve months of recovery, he has been back training for several weeks.
City’s form dipped sharply following his absence, effectively falling out of the title race before the new year and ending the season trophyless for the first time since 2017, following an FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
Despite playing only three matches this season before the injury, Rodri was named the world’s best male footballer, receiving the Ballon d’Or in October while still on crutches.
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