Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery as Man City Face Midfield Blow

Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Rodri will undergo surgery after suffering a back injury, with no timetable yet established for his return.

The Spanish international, who captained Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title and won the tournament’s Golden Ball award, played every match during the competition despite struggling with discomfort. Medical assessments after the tournament revealed that surgery was necessary.

Rodri’s latest setback comes after two injury-disrupted seasons. The 30-year-old previously suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September 2024, which sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 campaign. 

Although he returned, recurring hamstring and groin problems limited him to 33 appearances across all competitions last season, including just 17 Premier League starts.

The injury also adds further uncertainty to Rodri’s future at Manchester City. His current contract expires next summer, and discussions over a possible extension are expected following the World Cup. 

While the midfielder has previously expressed his ambition to return to Spain during his playing career, reports indicate that Real Madrid are not planning a move for him.

Rodri remains one of the most influential players of Pep Guardiola’s era, playing a key role in City’s historic 2022-23 treble-winning campaign. 

He scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan and was widely regarded as one of the club’s most important performers.

Manchester City have strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116 million. 

However, further changes are expected, with Mateo Kovačić and Nico González reportedly available for transfer, while Bernardo Silva has already departed following the expiration of his contract.

City are scheduled to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth on August 23, but they will do so without one of their most influential players as Rodri begins his rehabilitation.