There is hope that Rodri could return to action for Manchester City before the end of the Premier League season, as his recovery continues to go better than expected.
The Spaniard limped out of the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on 22 September after suffering an ACL injury and has not been involved since.
The serious knee problem was quickly deemed so bad that the midfielder was ruled out for the rest of the season.
However, the 28-year-old is reportedly making great progress in his recovery and could be back in action much sooner than first thought.
The Sun report that the Ballon d’Or winner is as much as two months ahead of schedule and is already running again on a treadmill.
His efforts to return to fitness are said to have ‘impressed medics’ and there is some hope that he could play again in the Premier League this campaign.
Rodri has already spoken about the possibility of playing again this season, although he had set himself the goal of returning in time for the Club World Cup in the summer.
‘I have in mind to play this season,’ Rodri said on Spanish show COPE last month.
‘Now the seasons are getting longer and the (Club) World Cup ends on July 13, I have in mind to return this year, as a challenge. I’ve already started walking and I’m feeling better than I thought.’
The tournament in America runs from 14 June – 13 July, while the Premier League season comes to an end on 25 May.
An early return would be a huge boost for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side seriously struggling without their influential midfield linchpin.
Ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby, City had won just one of their last 10 games in all competitions.