Rodri to undergo back surgery after Spain World Cup win

Rodri will undergo back surgery after helping Spain win the men's World Cup, with new Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca confirming the midfielder's next step as he begins his recovery.

Maresca confirms surgery plan

Speaking at his first news conference since taking charge at City, Maresca said the Spain captain is due to have an operation on Monday. The Italian added that Rodri will then take time to rest and recover before rejoining the club.

Maresca did not put a timeframe on the 30-year-old's return, but his comments made clear that the immediate priority is recovery after a demanding period for the midfielder.

World Cup success followed by another setback

Rodri arrives at this latest stage of his career on the back of a major international high. He started all eight of Spain's matches as they won the men's World Cup for the second time, captaining his country and finishing the tournament with the Golden Ball award as its outstanding player.

That form underlined Rodri's standing as one of the game's leading midfielders, particularly after difficult recent seasons at club level. An anterior cruciate ligament injury kept him out for most of the 2024-25 campaign, and further setbacks last season meant he was frequently unavailable.

His performances for Spain suggested he had rediscovered his best level, but the need for surgery means City will now have to manage another period without one of their most influential players.

Transfer talk brushed aside

Maresca also moved to cool speculation over Rodri's future following reports linking the midfielder with Real Madrid in the past week.

The City boss said transfer rumours are common around elite players, especially after major tournament success, and stressed that Rodri's quality naturally makes him attractive to any manager. His message was measured but firm: City are not alarmed by the noise surrounding one of their biggest names.

City continue pre-season preparations

While Rodri faces a spell of rehabilitation, Maresca indicated that other players who are still away are expected to be available three or four days before Manchester City meet Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August.

For City, the immediate concern is Rodri's health rather than any wider uncertainty. After a World Cup-winning summer with Spain, the midfielder now turns his focus to surgery, rest and the hope of another successful return.