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Rodri has not played since mid-November after suffering a hamstring injury in another setback this season.

In his absence, City has maintained its strong form and currently sits second on the Premier League table, just two points behind current leader Arsenal.

A win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday (AEDT) would temporarily take City top, with Arsenal playing Brighton and Hove Albion later in the day; it has won its past five Premier League matches in a row.

Guardiola is not yet sure if Rodri will be available for that game, but he is relishing the chance to have him back in the squad as it attempts to keep fighting on all fronts.

"I'd prefer to be 10 ‌points clear of everyone, but it is what it is. Arsenal's doing really well, but we are there. We're still in the ⁠end of December," Guardiola said.

"The [UEFA] Champions League, we are up there, and the Premier League we are there, semi-finals of the [Carabao Cup], we start the FA Cup soon.

"Some important players are coming back, so let's [see] step by step, game by game, what's going to happen.

"Rodri is much, much better. Available or not, we'll decide [on Saturday AEDT]."

Last week, Guardiola said his players would be weighed upon their return to training after Christmas Day to make sure they are fit enough to face Forest.

However, the Spaniard said his team met the required standard, which he believes will only help them in the long run.

"I earn four or five kilograms more for the amount of food and drinks that I have drunk, so it is really good," Guardiola said.

"[The players] have been incredibly disciplined since 10 years ago.

"Last season, for the injuries that we had was a little bit more difficult, but always they behaved unbelievably.

"All the players I had in the last decade, and that is not an exception today. We have a standard as a club – everybody knows exactly what they have to do."