Manchester City midfielder Rodri will undergo surgery on a back problem on Monday, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The Spain captain was part of the squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner after helping his country lift the trophy.
However, the 30-year-old has endured an injury-hit spell at club level. An anterior cruciate ligament injury kept him out for most of the 2024/25 season, and further setbacks last season limited his availability.
Speaking at his first news conference since being appointed Manchester City head coach, Maresca said surgery had been scheduled and that Rodri would begin a period of recovery immediately afterwards.
“Now, [he undergoes] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us,” the Italian coach said.
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Maresca did not give a timeframe for Rodri’s return.
The City manager also dismissed speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Real Madrid.
“Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that,” he said.
“I think it is normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player.”
Rodri has become one of the most influential midfielders in world football since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, helping the club win multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He also won the Ballon d’Or after his performances for club and country.
Maresca added that he expects the rest of City’s returning international players to rejoin the squad three or four days before the Community Shield against Premier League champions Arsenal on 16 August.
