Rodri, the World Cup winner and Spain captain, is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday, according to new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca. Maresca confirmed the procedure at his first press conference since being appointed.
The midfielder's recent seasons at club level have been impacted by injuries, including a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 campaign, and subsequent setbacks last season. Despite these issues, Rodri returned to top form for Spain during the World Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
"Now, [he undergoes] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us," Maresca stated. The manager did not provide a timeline for Rodri's return.
Maresca also addressed reports linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid, stating that speculation is normal around high-profile players, especially after a major tournament win. "Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that," he said. "I think it is normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player."
Maresca expects the remaining players to return to the squad a few days before Manchester City faces Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16.