Manchester City midfielder Rodri has said he is remaining positive as he continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in September. The 28-year-old has been sidelined since suffering the season-ending injury in City's 2-2 draw against Arsenal on September 22.

The Spain international, named as the 2024 Ballon d'or winner just weeks after the injury, is not expected to play again this season - but could feature in City's Club World Cup campaign in the United States at the end of the season.

In the meantime, though, Rodri is remaining upbeat about his injury setback and admitted the unexpected break has allowed him to strengthen all parts of his body in a bid to come back strong.

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Speaking on Sky Sports' coverage of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, Rodri, who was at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, said: "Well, I always say, it's part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to these kind of things.

"But I'm a very positive guy in the sense that I take it what it is. I always thank God for everything and in these kind of moments try and be positive. And maybe do other stuff that I'm not used to doing, like coming here, spending more time with your family and why not try to improve other parts of your body, work on that and come back stronger."

Last week, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was included in City's squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League. City, who finished outside the top eight places, will face Real Madrid in a two-legged knockout tie later this month.