Gvardiol returns to Manchester City training as Guardiola targets World Cup readiness

MANCHESTER, England (AP): Joško Gvardiol has resumed work with Manchester City after nearly four months away nursing a broken leg, and Pep Guardiola said Friday he wants the Croatian international ready to “make a good World Cup” with his country.

The defender required an operation following a break to his right leg during a Premier League contest against Chelsea that ended 1-1 on 4 January.

Questions had hung over whether he could appear at the tournament that starts on 11 June, but Guardiola said the flexible back-line option is “feeling good” after taking part in a session on Thursday.

“Last season, he was the important player for us when we had many injuries — he played all the games and, in the end, the body says enough is enough,” Guardiola said. “Happy he is back. Hopefully, he can help us in the last part of the season and make a good World Cup with Croatia, and next season we can have him again at his best.”

City are due to meet Brentford in the top flight on Saturday, and Guardiola suggested Rodri could also be available again; the midfielder has been absent for three matches with hamstring trouble, including Monday’s 3-3 result at Everton that dealt a blow to the club’s ambitions.

The outcome leaves the Etihad outfit second in the table, five points short of Arsenal with one fewer game played. The London club still have three league dates left and have edged ahead once more in the scramble for the championship.

City are also set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on 16 May.