Manchester City’s preparations for their inaugural season under new manager Enzo Maresca have suffered a major setback, as midfield star Rodri is set to undergo back surgery.
According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old Spaniard, who recently enjoyed a stellar summer with Spain and played a key role in helping La Roja clinch their second World Cup title, does not yet have a confirmed timeline for his return following the procedure.
Rodri has been dealing with persistent back issues for some time, which significantly affected his availability for City last season. The influential midfielder missed nearly the entire 2024/25 campaign, managing to start only 17 Premier League matches during that period.
To address the gap left by Rodri’s absence, City made a summer move for Elliot Anderson, whose arrival is expected to provide some stability in midfield. However, reports of Rodri’s potential interest in a transfer to Real Madrid, coupled with the current stalemate in contract extension talks, have added another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Manchester City will kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at the Etihad Stadium against Bournemouth on 23 August. Expectations are high for Maresca’s first season in charge, with many anticipating that he will guide the reigning champions in a strong challenge against title rivals Arsenal at the top of the table.
📸 Photo: Justin Setterfield - 2026 Getty Images
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