Rodri set for back surgery in blow to Man City start

Manchester City are facing an early fitness concern over Rodri, with the midfielder set to undergo minor back surgery after captaining Spain to World Cup success. The procedure could leave him unavailable for the start of the Premier League season.

Fresh setback after summer success

Rodri arrives at this point on the back of a major international high, having led Spain in the World Cup final victory over Argentina and been named the tournament’s best player with the Golden Ball. But that achievement has quickly been followed by the need to address a back problem.

The 30-year-old had not been expected to feature in the Community Shield against Arsenal after his involvement with Spain, and there is now uncertainty over his availability for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

Injuries have disrupted recent seasons

This latest issue comes after a difficult spell for Rodri on the fitness front. His last two seasons have been affected by injury, including an anterior cruciate ligament problem in September 2024 that severely limited his involvement in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Further setbacks also restricted his appearances in the following league season.

For City, that context makes the latest development especially significant. Rodri has long been one of the side’s most important midfield figures, and any absence at the beginning of the campaign would be closely felt.

Contract situation remains in focus

Rodri also heads into the new season with a contract situation still unresolved. He has one year left on his Manchester City deal and has been linked with Real Madrid, although City want him to stay and sign a new contract.

That places added attention on the weeks ahead, both in terms of his recovery and his longer-term future. New head coach Enzo Maresca and the club are understood to be keen to keep him at the Etihad.

Rodri speaks about resilience

After Spain’s World Cup triumph, Rodri spoke openly about the challenges he had overcome and said he hoped his journey could serve as an example to younger players.

“I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life.

“Of course, sometimes things go well, things go wrong, but always the positiveness.”

Those comments now carry extra weight as he prepares for another spell on the sidelines, with City waiting to see whether one of their key players will be ready for the opening weeks of the new Premier League season.