Rodri targets Barcelona return against Manchester City after injury setback

Rodri has told his Barcelona team-mates that he hopes to be fully fit for the Champions League meeting with Manchester City on 8 December 2026.

The midfielder ended the day in low spirits after learning the extent of the injury he had suffered. His initial disappointment was compounded by the prospect of missing Barcelona’s match against Atletico de Madrid on Sunday, as well as Spain’s fixtures against the Czech Republic and England.

However, the latest developments have given Rodri and Barcelona’s medical staff renewed optimism about his recovery. According to Sport, the signs in recent hours have been positive enough for both player and doctors to believe he could have a chance of featuring against Manchester City at Spotify Camp Nou.

Rodri has shared that possibility with the Barcelona squad, with the midfielder determined to reach 100% fitness for what would be a particularly significant match in his career.

The Champions League fixture carries an added personal meaning for Rodri because Manchester City is the club with which he achieved the greatest success of his career, both individually and collectively. He remains deeply grateful to the English club and says he will always retain that sense of appreciation.

That connection has provided an additional motivation during his rehabilitation. His recovery programme and training schedule have been arranged with the aim of preparing him to return during the first week of December, ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Manchester City on 8 December 2026.

The match will also bring Rodri up against the club he regarded as home for several seasons. That prospect is acting as another incentive as he works through the recovery process and attempts to be available for the Champions League contest.