After four long months on the sidelines, Manchester City's defensive powerhouse Joško Gvardiol is back in training—and just in time for the World Cup. The Croatian star, who suffered a broken right leg during a tense 1-1 draw with Chelsea on January 4, underwent surgery and has been working tirelessly to return to peak form.

Manager Pep Guardiola shared an optimistic update on Friday, expressing hope that Gvardiol will be ready to "make a good World Cup" with Croatia. The 24-year-old was spotted participating in a full practice session on Thursday, and Guardiola noted that the versatile defender is "feeling good" after a grueling recovery.

"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."

Gvardiol's return couldn't come at a better time for City, who are battling on multiple fronts. The team faces Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, followed by the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 16. Guardiola also hinted that midfield anchor Rodri might return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games, including Monday's costly 3-3 draw with Everton.

That result left City trailing Arsenal by five points in the title race—though they hold a game in hand. With the World Cup kicking off on June 11, Gvardiol's comeback adds a huge boost to both City's late-season push and Croatia's hopes for a deep tournament run.