Rodri has not given up hope of playing for Manchester City again this season.
The Spain international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on September 22 and Pep Guardiola's Premier League champions have suffered in his absence.
Last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Brighton was a fourth successive defeat in all competitions for City, who are now five points behind leaders Liverpool in the English league.
Rodri had to accept the Ballon d'Or on crutches a few weeks ago in Paris, but the Euro 2024 winner has an ambitious goal of returning after a successful operation in Madrid by Dr Manuel Leyes.
Asked by Spanish radio station Cadena Cope if he could play again this season, Rodri replied: "Yes, yes. Also, the seasons are now longer, the Club World Cup ends on July 13. I want to face this mental challenge.
Will Rodri play again this season?
The new FIFA Club World Cup, which is several years away, poses a serious problem for Rodri's comments. If a smooth recovery can pave the way for the summer of 2025, his chances of participating in the final stages of the traditional European season in April and May remain extremely slim.
At the end of the current season, Pep Guardiola is at the end of his contract with City. Although his manager has left, Rodri has made it clear that his long-term future remains in Manchester, despite the increased position in the global game and the associated options that Ballon d'Or success offers him.
"You want to be surrounded by the best and there will be a before and after Pep," said the 28-year-old, whose current contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until June 2027. "When he leaves, things change, but The city will continue to be the city.
"I like to live in the present and I have a contract with my club, I am very happy here. To close or open the doors does not make sense." I am always passionate about the Spanish championship, but the English championship is special. It is a club in which I feel very comfortable. I have to think twice before leaving.
Rodri for Real Madrid's refusal to win the Ballon d'Or
Rodri was previously seen as a Real Madrid target and it remains to be seen how this speculation will play out after the Spanish and European champions boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony when it was revealed that City would win the most prestigious award going forward. . by Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
"All the Spanish clubs should have congratulated me and they didn't," he added. "I take care of my family and my club. "He must have his reasons, he would not have done it and there is nothing to go back. The mistake is to pay so much attention to a club that has not decided to participate."
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