Man City receive Rodri boost after his injury concern

Rodri has returned to light training following a groin complaint, offering Manchester City hope that their midfield fulcrum will be available for the start of the season.

The central midfielder was a substituted substitute during the shock Club World Cup last-16 defeat by Al Hilal, complaining about niggling problems while making a comeback from a double knee injury in America.

Rodri had featured for 66 minutes on an uneven pitch in Orlando, one which Pep Guardiola's staff held reservations over, five days before being forced off in the Al Hilal fixture.

The 29-year-old has been undergoing individual sessions with fitness coaches since coming back from a summer break last week but did play some part in team training on Monday.

Rodri is also expected to be among the group during an open training session in front of supporters at the City Football Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

City's campaign kicks off against Wolves at Molineux on August 16, with Ilkay Gundogan, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez other current options to operate at the base of midfield.

Guardiola refused to use Rodri's nine-month injury lay-off as an excuse for City falling away from last season's title race but performances in his absence further underlined the Spaniard's importance.

Rodri collected the Ballon d'Or while still on crutches in October. He has two years left on his current contract and City will look to negotiate an extension.