Manchester City's Rodri has continued his long return from injury at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup with substitute appearances in his side's opening two group matches, but the midfielder says it will take some time to get back to his best.

Spain international Rodri missed nearly all of last season after tearing his cruciate knee ligament against Arsenal in September 2024. After a brief appearance at the end of the campaign, he is stepping up his recovery in the U.S.-based tournament.

"I feel very good and very happy to be here. It's an amazing tournament to start to play football again. I'm really excited to join the team again," Rodri said ahead of City's final group game against Juventus.

"I feel very, very strong, to be honest. The process was long, but I was taking my time. The most important thing was to keep focused and be strong, not be sad or whatever," the midfielder said of his recovery.

"One day I would come back and this day has finally come," Rodri added, but admitted that it would take time to see him back to his best.

"I know it's still going to be months until I reach my [best] level, but I'm so happy," he said.

Manchester City goes into the final Group G game level on points with Juventus, but the Italian side sits top thanks to a superior goal difference. That means Pep Guardiola's side needs a win to finish top of the group and avoid a potential tie with Real Madrid, which currently sits top of Group H ahead of its match against Red Bull Salzburg.