Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are desperate to help Oscar Bobb return to full fitness.
The Norway international has not featured since the Community Shield and is now back training after suffering a couple of setbacks on his initial return from a broken leg sustained in August.
Bobb is one of four City stars who will miss out through injury when Plymouth Argyle visit in the FA Cup on Saturday evening but Guardiola delivered a positive update on the winger ahead of the contest. Here's the latest from the Etihad treatment room.
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Oscar Bobb
Injury: broken leg
Bobb has not featured in any capacity for City so far this season after breaking a bone in his leg during a training session in pre-season. He has suffered a couple of minor setbacks since his initial return but is now training again. He was not involved at Tottenham on Wednesday night but his return is thought to be close.
“He is getting better, training yesterday and today as well,” said Guardiola on Friday. “It has been longer than we expected, but hopefully he can finish and help us in the last part of the season.
“We want to help him desperately. It’s been a tough period for him but always there is light at the end of the tunnel, this is life and especially in sport.”
Possible return date: unknown.
John Stones
Injury: thigh
Stones was forced off after just eight minutes against Madrid and it was feared he could require surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the season. But Guardiola offered a positive update on the centre back on Tuesday that means he could return before the campaign is out.
Possible return date: April/May.
Manuel Akanji
Injury: muscle
Akanji faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his adductor muscle in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. He was forced off at half-time and Guardiola anticipates he may be out for more than two months.
He said earlier this month: "Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable."
Possible return date: late April.
Rodri
Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Rodri is a long-term absentee, last appearing when City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on September 22. He has been working hard on his recovery in recent months and has been spotted mixing with the first-team squad on the training pitches.
The Spaniard is not expected to play again this season, but it is possible he features in City's Club World Cup campaign in the United States in the summer.
Issuing an update on his ongoing recovery recently, Rodri 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."
Possible return date: June.
