Man City injury update: Latest on Rodi, John Stones and More | OneFootball

Man City Injury Update: Rodri, Ake and Stones Nearing Return Ahead of Crucial Run-In

Manchester City’s meticulously calibrated machine is beginning to hum again. As the business end of the season looms into view, Pep Guardiola is slowly regaining key cogs that had fallen away at precisely the wrong moment. After weeks of improvisation and rotation, the latest Man City injury update delivers a sense of measured optimism.

Guardiola Boosted by Return of Key Stars

Friday’s victory over Wolves served not only as another tick in the win column but also a symbolic turning point. Ederson returned to the starting XI and reminded City fans what composure looks like between the posts. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland—back in the matchday squad—sat unused, but present, his looming threat almost as valuable as his actual presence.

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Guardiola confirmed the game had come slightly too soon for the Norwegian striker, but the coming days of training could set the stage for a return this weekend. “A full week of training should do the striker the world of good,” the City manager said, hinting that Haaland might target minutes in their trip to Southampton.

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John Stones Recovery Still on Track

Among those still sidelined, John Stones has not featured since City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid. There was early concern the injury—thigh-related—might require surgery, but medical assessments steered him away from the operating table.

Initially ruled out for up to ten weeks, Stones is on schedule for a return this month. His positional intelligence and versatility have been sorely missed, particularly in City’s hybrid system that blurs lines between midfield and defence.

Photo: IMAGO

Ake Undergoes Surgery But Eyes Club World Cup

Nathan Ake’s injury—sustained during the FA Cup win over Plymouth—resulted in surgery to fix a long-standing foot issue. The club noted it was an ailment that had “caused him discomfort during the course of his career”, prompting the decision to resolve it definitively.

Photo: IMAGO

Although the Premier League might see out its closing weeks without Ake, there is hope he will be ready in time for the Club World Cup. That target appears to be motivating both player and staff.

Rodri Nearing Long-Awaited Comeback

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated return of all is Rodri. The midfield anchor, absent since September with a severe ACL injury, is now in full training. Guardiola, however, is exercising characteristic caution.

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“The moment the physio and doctor say that Rodri can start to play minutes and after that he will start to play minutes. But the doctors have to tell me,” Guardiola said.

“It was a difficult injury. It was seven months to eleven months more or less the doctors said.

“He feels really good, every day he’s making sessions and sessions but we have to make the step to avoid making a step backwards and being injured again.

“That’s why you need to be careful. Important is one training session and then another one and every time he feels better and better.

“When the doctor says Rodri is stable and he can play, after that he is going to come back.”

Rodri’s absence has exposed just how integral he is to City’s rhythm. His return could prove decisive in City’s final push for silverware.