The Spanish midfield ace hasn't played since undergoing knee surgery last September but the coach has hinted that he could still figure for the club before the end of the campaign as he steps up his recovery.

Guardiola said: "The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited.

"It's been five months or six months. After the international break, could be. But one step at a time. We don't have to make stupid decisions to come from weeks earlier. It's good, but still he's not close to coming back I'd say.

"But he's touching the ball today in the locker room, making touches with the players. He feels confident, he feels more happy. I could not expect [that he could return] before the end of the season, not even the [Club] World Cup. In the Premier League, maybe it's going to happen."

Rodri revealed last month that he was feeling "positive" about his recovery and admits that he was using his time away from the game to sample new experiences.

He told Sky Sports at the Super Bowl: "Well, I always say, it’s part of life, injuries. As athletes we’re used to these types of things but I’m a very positive guy in the sense that I take it for what it is.

"I always thank God for everything and in this type of moment try to be positive and maybe do all the stuff you are not used to doing like coming here [to the Super Bowl], spend more time with your family and try to improve other parts of your body to come back stronger."