'What are they pushing for?' - Man City warned against rushing Rodri back from ruptured ACL by injury expert as return is touted before end of season

The Spain international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last September, and although he was initially expected to miss the season, the midfielder may yet play again this term. However, football injury expert Ben Dinnery believes Pep Guardiola's team need to be careful with the 28-year-old, citing how the risk of picking up a fresh injury during a player's rehab is a real possibility.

He told Instant Casino: “We’ve seen Rodri working on the training pitch. Sometimes we have to take what Pep Guardiola says with a pinch of salt. He can be very elusive when responding about a player’s recovery, but if we look at the facts, is a return this season without risk? Data would tell you there is a possibility of reinjury and further setbacks when returning within the nine-month period thereafter; that said, players have returned in those timelines and been fine. You have to look at the risk and reward of the situation. What are Manchester City pushing for?

"If they secure that top-four position with games to go, you can probably forget about him returning in them. You certainly cannot rule out his return to the matchday squad for the FA Cup Final, but do I see him starting? Probably not. The current City squad have gained a bit of form, the pressure for Pep to take a chance on Rodri has decreased, so it’s difficult to say. There’s a handful of games left, but could he be involved? Absolutely.”

It may be no coincidence that Rodri's injury has coincided with City having one of their worst seasons in many years. They have badly missed the Spaniard and the temptation to bring him back ahead of the FA Cup final may be a strong one.

City are preparing for their biggest game of the season when they take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. It remains to be seen if Rodri will be included in their matchday squad or not for that showpiece event.