Manchester City’s struggles over the past month or so are certainly not down to injuries alone, but it can be one of the reasons presented as mitigation.
In that category the standout player missing for Pep Guardiola’s side has been Rodri. After picking up a cruciate knee injury the midfielder had to undergo surgery which will likely keep him out of action for the rest of the season.
During that time he’s been named Ballon d’Or winner and gone on something of a tour of the world media. Previously not one to speak out very often, the Manchester City player has been popping up every few days with fresh words.
That may well be because Rodri has been bored, especially with the early part of recovery from his knee injury.
Speaking to Spain’s [RFEF](https://rfef.es/es/noticias/rodrigo-recordare-este-2024-para-siempre-por-muchos-motivos), the Manchester City star explained: _“It is a hard process, it is a long and boring process. Above all, the first months when I have not been able to bear weight and the exercises are more boring, you cannot do so many, you cannot put weight on the leg._
_“Once you start walking it becomes more enjoyable, more fun, you introduce activities like riding a bike, walking, swimming. It becomes more enjoyable, but, yes, at the beginning it is a bit more of a drag.”_
RFEF, the Spanish football association, explain that Rodri is exhausted given all the effort he’s putting into getting back on the pitch.
Regarding his aims for that, they quote him as saying: _“My main objective is to recover physically well, to return, or give myself the option of being able to return, to the level I was at. I am trying to meet the deadlines in the best way, working hard to give myself and my body that opportunity to feel good again and play at my level._
_“I am not thinking about titles or winning things, I am thinking about returning well and the rest will be a consequence.”_
In other recent interviews, Rodri has spoken about a desire to try and return this season for Manchester City, but that wasn’t mentioned this time around.