Jul 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Real Betis midfielder Rodri (17) kicks the ball against Liverpool defender Luke Chambers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) -Manchester City midfielder Rodri made a surprise return as a late substitute in their crucial 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday after eight months out of action due to a knee ligament injury.
The return of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner could be a big boost in City's push for a Champions League spot next season with one game remaining in what has been a very disappointing campaign for Pep Guardiola's team.
Spain international Rodri suffered the injury during City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Etihad Stadium in September.
He entered Tuesday's game at the Etihad in the 83rd minute to a standing ovation.
City climbed three places to third in the Premier League table with 68 points in their chase for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa all have 66 points.
City, who won the Premier League title four years in a row from 2021-24, finish the season on Sunday at Fulham. They will then play in the FIFA Club World Cup starting on June 14 in the United States.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Ed Osmond and Toby Davis)
