Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to wait until next season to see the best of Rodri again as the Spanish midfielder slowly finds his feet after knee surgery.
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The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner missed last weekend's 5-1 win over Burnley due to pain in the knee – 12 months after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage.
The 29-year-old made his return in May but has suffered a series of minor setbacks.
"Rodri is an outstanding player, everyone knows it," said Guardiola on Friday.
"Maybe he struggled to understand it's not about six months or 12, the World Cup will be the best Rodri and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is how to handle it.
"One year he has been out. The body changes, the rhythm changes, it’s a question of time, if he’s healthy he will be back."
To cover Rodri's absence, City splashed out £50 million ($67 million) on Nico Gonzalez in January but he has struggled to match the levels of his compatriot.
The former Barcelona midfielder replaced Rodri for the final 30 minutes of Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw at Monaco and conceded a late penalty that cost City victory.
"He's learning and improving. We need him", said Guardiola, referring to Gonzalez.
"Rodri can't sustain yet the rhythm for games for 90 minutes. He made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli and especially Arsenal.
"I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there but I have to protect the players."
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Despite dropping two points in Monaco, a draw extended City's unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.
City suffered their first trophyless campaign for eight years last season and Guardiola is encouraged by the progress he sees after refreshing his squad with a number of younger players.
"The happiest feeling is how we have improved. I love that feeling. And the feeling that I think we can do better," he said.
"That is the feeling that I like as a manager. The feeling we are creating again – the tempo, the pace.
"Everything is a little bit more fluid and consistent. But we can do better and I love that."
City, who sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, travel to Brentford on Sunday.