• Premier League

Rodwell hopes to return for Manchester derby

ESPN staff
March 21, 2013
Jack Rodwell injured his hamstring at Aston Villa in March © Getty Images
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Jack Rodwell could be in contention to play in the Manchester derby on April 8 after revealing that he is a fortnight away from fitness.

Rodwell, 22, injured his hamstring in City's 1-0 win at Aston Villa on March 4 but believes his recovery is going well.

While the midfielder will not be ready to face Newcastle on March 30, he is hopeful of being available soon after as the English champions prepare for a pivotal week in their season. A Premier League trip to Old Trafford is followed by their FA Cup semi-final against either United or Chelsea on April 14.

"It's just over two weeks into my injury now and it's healing well, I'm hoping for maybe another two weeks until I'm back on the pitch," Rodwell told the club's official website.

"I'll hopefully train within the next ten days, that's my aim. If I do that, then it's been a really good rehab - four weeks is very good.

"If it takes a week more, then it will be a week more just to be on the safe side, but we'll see - hopefully two more weeks is all I will need."

Rodwell was out from early October to late January with another hamstring injury and has been limited to just four league starts since his £12 million summer move from Everton.

The England international had recently forced his way into Roberto Mancini's team for back-to-back league games before limping off at Villa Park but, despite his disappointment at being sidelined again, he said he is keeping his spirits up.

"I've just got to be positive, it's just a minor setback and it's a long career," he said. "I'm still young and I just have to stay positive."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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