Rodri ‘to undergo’ back surgery, no return date set | OneFootball

According to The Athletic, Rodri will undergo back surgery, with no return date set. Manchester City have not issued any statement.

The setback comes days after he captained Spain to the 2026 World Cup, having won the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He featured in all eight matches under Luis de la Fuente.

Rodri grew into the tournament and became pivotal in midfield, dictating tempo and providing defensive balance.

The back issue follows an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in September 2024 that ruled him out of most of 2024-25. After returning he had hamstring and groin problems, limiting him to 33 appearances this season. In 2022-23, when City won the treble, he played 56 games.

Enzo Maresca must find cover to ensure the Spaniard’s absence does not hinder his start at the Etihad. Succeeding Pep Guardiola after a decade of success in Manchester is not straightforward.

Rodri’s contract runs to July 2027 and there is, for now, no movement on an extension. Talks were scheduled after the World Cup, yet he has not signalled a wish to prolong his stay. On potential interest, The Athletic says Real Madrid are not currently planning a bid, while journalist Matteo Moretto claims the player has already agreed and that Florentino Pérez views the move favourably.

Source: Superdeporte