Pep Guardiola hopes to welcome Rodri back in the near future as he faces title challenges with Manchester City heading into the new year.
Rodri has not played since mid-November after suffering a hamstring injury in a new setback this season.
In his absence, City have maintained their strong form as they currently sit second in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Arsenal.
A win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday would temporarily put City top, while Arsenal would play Brighton later in the day; they have won their last five Premier League matches in a row.
The Citizens are currently given a 25.4% chance of winning the league title, with Mikel Arteta’s side 67.1% favorites, according to the Opta supercomputer.
Guardiola is not yet sure if Rodri will be available for that match, but he will jump at the chance to have him back in the squad as they look to continue fighting on all fronts.
“I would prefer to be ten points ahead of everyone, but it is what it is. Arsenal are doing very well, but we are here. We are still at the end of December,” Guardiola told the club’s website.
“The Champions League, we’re up there, and the Premier League we’re up there, semi-finals of the (EFL Cup), we’re starting the FA Cup soon.
“Some important players are coming back, so let’s see step by step, game by game, what will happen.
“Rodri is much, much better. Available or not, we will decide.” [on Friday].”
Last week, Guardiola said his players would be weighed when they return to training after Christmas Day to ensure they are fit enough to face Forest.
However, the Spaniard said his team met the required standard, which he believes will only help them in the long run.
“I earn four to five kilos more for the amount of food and drink I drank, so that’s very nice,” Guardiola said.
“[The players] have been incredibly disciplined since 10 years ago.
“Last season the injuries we had were a little more difficult, but they always behaved incredibly.
“I had all the players over the past ten years, and today is no exception. As a club we have a standard: everyone knows exactly what to do.”
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