Manchester City confirms back surgery for midfield star Rodri

The midfielder moved from Atlético Madrid to Manchester City in 2019 and still has a contract there until the summer of 2027. In the past 2024/25 season, a serious cruciate ligament injury kept the Spanish international out for the majority of the campaign. The upcoming back surgery is another setback in a phase marked by injuries.

Series of injuries takes its toll on Rodri

Rodri was named the best player of the tournament at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after Spain had defeated Argentina in the final. He beat Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the voting and has since been one of the most influential midfielders in Europe.

The injury news is accompanied by transfer rumors. According to media reports, there are considerations that the 30-year-old could move to Real Madrid and return to his Spanish homeland. Maresca did not comment further on these speculations, but insisted on a clear approach with the player.

Real Madrid transfer rumors

Manchester City initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its coaching staff and squad during the summer. With Maresca, a former assistant coach under Guardiola has taken over the team. The club is counting on Rodri to reassume a central role in midfield once he recovers. The list of injuries that have held the Spanish international back in recent years is long: after the cruciate ligament injury in the previous season, Rodri had already had to take a break in the spring of 2025.

How long Rodri will be out after the operation is not yet known. ManCity announced that it would provide updates on the recovery process and the timing of his return to the pitch following the procedure. The club does not want to rush the healing process excessively in order to minimize the risk of a relapse. Maresca did not provide more specific details about the surgical procedure or the affected area of the spine.

Outlook on the new season

For the coming weeks, Manchester City is planning without Rodri. In preparation for the new season, other midfield players are to be given greater responsibility. The club has alternatives in Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and young talents, although no player can fully fill Rodri's role as the anchor in central midfield.

Rodri himself has recently remained tight-lipped about his injury. He did not address the public directly on social media; his entourage merely said that the procedure was planned and the prospects of success were positive. ManCity also emphasized that the player is in close contact with the medical department.

Looking ahead to the upcoming tasks, Maresca stressed that the club is planning with the midfield star on a long-term basis and is counting on a full recovery. Should Rodri become fit in time for the new season, he could be a decisive factor in the race for the English league title and in the Champions League. Should he be sidelined, City wants to carefully build him back up.

The news from Manchester also caused ripples in the Spanish federation. National team coach Luis de la Fuente, who had planned Rodri as a key player for the upcoming international matches, wants to closely monitor the recovery process. The Spanish national team relies on Rodri as the organizational hub in midfield, especially as the back problem adds to further physical setbacks.