Rodri is set to miss the beginning of the new season as he prepares for surgery on a long standing back complaint, adding further uncertainty to his Manchester City future, according to The Telegraph.
The 30-year-old was named the World Cup’s Golden Ball winner after captaining Spain to victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final, but has been managing the injury for some time and is now expected to go under the knife, with no confirmed timeline yet for his return.
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The fitness update arrives as Rodri enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. City have offered fresh terms, but the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has yet to commit, with reports linking him to a return to his home country with Real Madrid.
Any move is understood to depend on club president Florentino Perez, who has so far been reluctant to sanction an approach, despite reported lobbying from senior figures within the club who favour a bid.
New City manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola this summer, is expected to face questions on Rodri’s situation when he speaks to media on Friday.
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Rodri’s season was already disrupted last year by a ruptured ACL suffered in September 2024, limiting him to 33 appearances before a strong finish to the campaign carried into a standout World Cup.
City have already added Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million this summer, but remain keen to keep hold of their midfield captain.
Photo: Reuters/Mark J Rebilas
