Manchester City face Rodri setback over back injury

Manchester City are facing the prospect of being without Rodri for an extended period after the midfielder suffered a back injury that could require surgery. The issue is expected to rule the Spain international out of the start of the season, dealing a significant blow to City and new manager Enzo Maresca.

Fresh concern after World Cup high

The news comes just after Rodri returned to the spotlight on the international stage. Spain’s World Cup-winning captain helped his country beat Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey and was named the tournament’s best player with the Golden Ball.

That success had followed a difficult spell at club level. Rodri, now 30, had worked his way back after two seasons disrupted by injuries, only for this latest problem to cast fresh doubt over his immediate availability.

Another setback in a difficult run

This back issue is the latest in a sequence of physical problems for the Manchester City midfielder. His recent injury history began with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in September 2024, an injury that kept him out for most of the remainder of that campaign.

He was then injured again at the Club World Cup last July. Hamstring and groin issues followed last season, limiting him to only 17 Premier League starts. Against that backdrop, the possibility of surgery represents another serious concern for both player and club.

Uncertainty over Rodri's City future

Rodri’s situation is further complicated by uncertainty around his long-term future at Manchester City. His contract is due to expire next June, and while he is understood to want to play again in his home country at some stage, with Real Madrid thought to be his preferred destination, no concrete move has yet been made.

Maresca is keen to keep him, but City now face a period in which both Rodri’s fitness and his contractual situation remain unresolved.

After Spain’s World Cup triumph, Rodri reflected on the challenges he has faced during his recovery from previous setbacks, describing it as a very tough period and speaking about the importance of responding positively when difficulties arise.

Leeds move for Trafford advances

Elsewhere, Leeds are in advanced talks with Manchester City over a deal for James Trafford, with the fee said to be in the region of £50m. The 23-year-old goalkeeper returned to City from Burnley last summer in a £27m move after believing he would become first choice.

Instead, that role went to Gianluigi Donnarumma following the Italian’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Trafford did, however, feature in City’s Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal in March and their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in May.

• Rodri could be out for an extended period with a back injury
• The problem may require surgery and is set to rule him out of the start of the season
• Leeds are in advanced talks to sign James Trafford
• The proposed fee is in the region of £50m