Just in: Barcelona midfield superstar targets return from injury against Manchester City

Just in: Barcelona midfield superstar targets return from injury against Manchester City According to SPORT , Barcelona midfield mainstay Rodri is targeting a return from his injury in time to face his former club Manchester City. The Blaugrana lock horns with Enzo Maresca’s side in the UEFA Champions League on 8 December at the Spotify Camp Nou. And, Rodri is confident about completing his recovery and making himself available for the highly-anticipated encounter. Rodri’s injury a blow for Barcelona Barcelona signed Rodri from Manchester City in the summer, beating competition from arch-rivals Real Madrid in the process. Since his arrival, the 30-year-old Spain captain has become a permanent fixture in the team, with Hansi Flick seeing him as his extension on the field. Rodri was injured against Aston Villa. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) So, when Rodri suffered a muscle injury in the first half of the Catalans’ Champions League clash against Aston Villa earlier this week, it came as a bitter blow. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has featured in 14 of 15 matches that Barça have played so far this term, starting 11 of those, indicating the trust that Flick has placed in him. As such, the injury, which is expected to keep him out for a month , is a crucial setback for the La Liga champions at a crucial stage of the season. Target Manchester City As per the report, Rodri was initially left devastated after learning the extent of his injury. However, now, having come to terms with the setback, he is now approaching his recovery with optimism. Due to the injury, Rodri will miss tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash against his former club, Atletico Madrid, in La Liga, as well as the reverse fixture in early December. Rodri wants to face Manchester City next month. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) The 30-year-old is also not expected to feature against another of his ex-employers, Villarreal, right after the international break. He will also be unavailable for the games against Sabah, Deportivo de A Coruna, and Celta Vigo. But, the midfielder remains confident about making his return in time to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on 8 December. Facing the Cityzens will be an emotional occasion for Rodri, given the success he enjoyed with the club. As such, his objective is to be ready and fully fit for their visit to the Spotify Camp Nou. For now, both Rodri and Barcelona’s medical staff believe there is a possibility he could recover in time for the game. But given his importance to the team, the Catalans must not take any risk or rush his return.