Manchester City given major boost as Haaland and Rodri return to full training

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have been given a major squad boost with the return of both Erling Haaland and Rodri to full first-team training.

Haaland sustained an ankle injury during City’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth on 30 March and has not featured for Guardiola’s side since.

It is currently not known exactly when the Norwegian striker will return to the matchday squad, but the City boss is expected to provide an update to the media on Thursday before Friday’s Premier League fixture against Wolves.

Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been undertaking individual training since early 2025 after the midfielder suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last year which ruled him out for the season.

Rodri returns to training for Manchester City! 💪🔵 pic.twitter.com/et0WAHjUqt

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 30, 2025

The 28-year-old has slowly been integrated back into first-team training recently and on Wednesday was spotted training with the rest of the squad.

The news will come as a welcome boost for all those associated with City after what has been a largely disappointing campaign.

City relinquished hold of the title after four successive triumphs to new champions Liverpool and were eliminated from the Champions League in the knockout phase playoff by Real Madrid.

However, the Cityzens are currently fourth in the Premier League and looking to nail down a place in Europe’s elite club competition next term. They are also in the final of the FA Cup, where they will face Crystal Palace.

On the fitness of his pivotal midfielder, Guardiola said last week: “Every training session he [Rodri] does with us, he does well. Rodri wants [to play] but the doctor will have to say, ‘Pep you have the green light to give him minutes’.

“I want to rely on the doctors in that case.”

Although there is no official timeline, it is believed the club is targeting a return for the Spain international at the inaugural expanded Club World Cup in June, where City will face UAE Pro League side Al Ain, Moroccan outfit Wydad AC and Italian giants Juventus in the group phase.