Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed confidence that he will return to action before the end of the season as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

In an interview with AS, the Ballon d’Or winner spoke about his recovery process, sharing optimism about overcoming the lengthy setback.

“No, I’m not afraid. I know the player I am. I know that these kinds of injuries are not the same as they were 30 years ago.

Also, the medical team has given me infinite peace of mind in that sense, that I shouldn’t worry, that I can come back without anything that will hinder me.

“But well, when you’re off the pitch for 6, 7 or 8 months it’s not easy to get back into it. Little by little.”

Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or this year, also reflected on the club’s reaction to his achievement.

“It was powerful,” he said. I was talking about it with (Mateo) Kovacic: he has been to the Ballon d’Or celebrations in Madrid, but he told me that he had never seen anything like it.

“Very few places have treated a player the way City have. I will be eternally grateful for what they did.”

Since Rodri’s injury, Manchester City have struggled badly, enduring their worst form under Pep Guardiola.

The reigning champions find themselves in a tough situation, and the Spanish midfielder’s return would undoubtedly provide a massive boost.