Pep Guardiola made it as clear as he could to Rodri when it comes to rushing his recovery to play again for Manchester City this season.

Rodri was injured against Arsenal on just his second appearance of the campaign, ruling him out for the season and sparking a midfield crisis that City still haven't solved. The Ballon d'Or winner has been around the first team in training and at games in recent weeks as he steps up his recovery from his ACL injury, and has given interviews stating he hopes to play again before the end of the season.

The Spaniard has named the FIFA Club World Cup as his personal target, with the international fixtures in June also mentioned. This week, it has been suggested that Rodri thinks he could be ready for a potential Champions League semi-final in April should City get that far.

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But Guardiola feels any premature return would 'not be intelligent', and would prefer to have Rodri fully fit next season rather than risk another setback further down the line.

"I'd have preferred to lose that game [vs Arsenal] and have Rodri all season," he said, before sending a clear warning to his midfield man about coming back too early.

"He's positive for the end but I don't know. ACL is ACL. I always believe with long injuries there is a time that must be respected because ACL is ACL for every athlete.

"The first month he was in Madrid for surgery, doctors and physios and now he's here. It's lovely to have him in the locker room. His voice and presence is important and I say to the injured players when you want to come you can come. The most important thing for him is to recover well, he is not a teenager but he still has years to play and i's going to happen if he recovers well.

"To come back for a few weeks and then have a setback for next season is not intelligent. The body is the body and recovery needs its own time but it's going really well and step by step we'll see."

It has been suggested this week that City could add Rodri to their Champions League squad for the knockout stages, in what could be a sign of positive news regarding his fitness. However, Rodri is already in the squad having played vs Inter Milan in September, and there is room for him to stay in the squad even with City's three new signings joining the roster.