Rodri, a key midfielder for Manchester City and the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has been added to the team’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages.
This is surprising because he hurt his knee (anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL) in September and was told he might not play again this season.
Recently, there have been reports that Rodri is recovering well, raising hopes that he might come back before the season ends.
His name on the squad list could mean that there is a good chance he might play again or that Manchester City wants to keep their options open for later in the tournament.
Manchester City is going to play against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich soon. Even though it seems unlikely that Rodri will play right away, being on the squad list suggests he could return if the team goes further in the competition.
Along with Rodri, the new players Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez are also included in the squad, while Vitor Reis is not included.
Fans on social media have reacted with surprise and hope regarding Rodri’s inclusion. Many are wishing for his quick recovery and want to see him back on the field.
Including Rodri in the Champions League squad, even with his serious injury, shows that Manchester City believes he can come back and that they expect to do well in Europe’s top club competition.
