Rodri's injury and subsequent recommendation have injected significant drama into Manchester City's January transfer plans. His influence, even from the sidelines, highlights his importance to the team and sets the stage for a potentially pivotal transfer battle to address their midfield crisis.

Rodri is not rushing back to solve a crisis, but he is optimistic about when he might be back on the field, aiming for the end of the current campaign. ‘I have in mind to play t