Will Rodri Be Back for the FA Cup Final as Man City Star Returns to Training?

Manchester City star Rodri has returned to full training, seven months after suffering a nasty Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. Will he make the team for the FA Cup final in mid-May? SportsCasting takes a look. 

Rodri was part of Pep Guardiola’s Man City squad during their open training session on Wednesday, April 30. He took part in most of the drills, looking fairly comfortable with the ball at his feet. It was not his first training session, however. The 2024 European Championship winner has been constantly working to get up to speed and return to the team as soon as possible.

BALLON D’OR WINNER RODRI IS BACK IN TRAINING THIS IS GREAT NEWS pic.twitter.com/2CVI2NCVL3

— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) April 30, 2025

When he tore his ACL in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September, very few expected him to return before the end of the 2024-25 campaign. But with his recovery ahead of schedule, there is hope he could still play a meaningful role in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Why is the FA Cup Final at 4:30 PM?

List of Remaining Matches for Man City

Pep Guardiola’s men will play at least six more matches this season — two in the Premier League, the FA Cup final, and three FIFA Club World Cup games.

Premier League

FA Cup Final

FIFA Club World Cup

Will Rodri Be Back For The FA Cup Final?

While Rodri’s return to full training is excellent news for Manchester City, we do not think they will benefit much from his return in domestic competitions this season. Knowing how crucial Rodri is to the team, Man City boss Pep Guardiola has been understandably cautious with his recovery. So, the Spaniard will not risk his countryman unless he is 100% cleared by the club doctors.

When asked about Rodri ahead of the game against Southampton, Guardiola said:

“Still not available.”

After not making the squad for the slender win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and the disappointing goalless draw with relegated Southampton, Rodri is unlikely to be risked for the 2024-25 FA Cup final with Crystal Palace on Saturday, May 17. Even if he makes the bench this weekend, it will be to provide Man City with a psychological rather than a physical boost.

I'll never skip a Rodri training pic. pic.twitter.com/gEUcxsFIop

— Manchester City US (@ManCityUS) May 6, 2025

However, considering how well he has been recovering, Man City fans could see the Ballon d’Or winner in action before the 2024-25 Premier League season runs out. He could return for a brief cameo in the home match against Bournemouth on May 20.

If he does not, he is highly likely to feature in mid-June, when Man City fly to the United States to compete in the inaugural edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.