Rodri was expected to miss the rest of the season after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September. The 28-year-old's absence has been a key factor in Manchester City's dismal form this term.

The English champions are 20 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and have also crashed out of the Champions League and the League Cup.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner could be back quicker than expected after he was seen taking part in an individual session at the club's Etihad Campus in a video released by City on Friday.

Spain international Rodri had initially set his sights on returning in time for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14. Guardiola has been reluctant to put a timetable on when Rodri might play again.