A huge update regarding Rodri’s recovery from his anterior cruciate ligament injury has emerged, but fans are concerned that things are moving too quickly.
The 28-year-old midfielder was initially ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL in September’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
But after making remarkable process of late, the Ballon d’Or winner is said to be ‘a couple of months ahead of schedule’ in his rehabilitation following surgery, according to The Sun.
In fact, Rodri is said to have impressed medics with his range of motion after taking to the running machine.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the midfielder opened up his desire to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to take place between June and July.
“My goal is to return this season. I haven’t given up, but I also don’t want to make mistakes. My aim is to be back in six or seven months,” he said.
“I’m much better than I expected. I’m enjoying the rest, if that’s possible. When I got injured I didn’t feel a ‘crack’ and my knee felt stable. I thought it wasn’t very serious, and now I’m feeling optimistic. The first month and a half was tough because of the pain—I couldn’t walk—but now it’s easier.”
Manchester City have certainly struggled in his absence, winning just one of their last ten games in all competitions.
But fans have expressed their concern at the speed of his comeback. Here’s how some of those supporters reacted on social media.
One wrote: “This actually isn’t a good thing. I don’t care if we lose the next 20 games in a row, he should not be rushing a return from this injury. For his future as a player and ours.”
A second said: “For this season? Why risk it?” while another commented: “Rushing a player back from an ACL injury is never a good idea.”
A fourth wrote: “I want him back just as much as everyone else we need him but for the love of all that is holy PLEASE don’t rush his comeback man. Can’t be doing with another KDB sich.”
A fifth added: “Under no circumstance should he play again this season. Regardless of what he or his doctors say.”
According to experts, elite athletes can achieve a full ACL recovery in as little as six months, but this only occurs in rare cases. A recovery of at least eight to nine months is normally expected.
Thoughts on the latest update? Let us know in the comments.