Manchester City’s midfield lynchpin and recent World Cup champion, Rodri, is slated to undergo a minor surgical procedure on his back, a development that could see him absent from the opening fixtures of the Premier League season. The 30‑year‑old, who captained Spain to a dramatic victory over Argentina in the World Cup final and was honoured with the tournament’s Golden Ball as the best player, now faces a short‑term health setback that requires medical attention, according to sources close to the club. The surgery comes after Rodri was already listed as a doubtful figure for City’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal, a match he missed despite his heroic performances for the Spanish national side earlier in the month.
The latest reports suggest his availability for Manchester City’s first league encounter – a home game against Bournemouth scheduled for Sunday, 23 August, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports – is also in doubt. If the operation and recovery period take longer than anticipated, the midfielder could miss several of the early Premier League fixtures, which would be a blow to a side that relies heavily on his defensive discipline and ball‑progressing abilities.
City’s early season itinerary is packed: after Bournemouth, the Citizens travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, then host Coventry City before tackling a high‑profile away game at Manchester United, and finally host Sunderland at the Etihad before the international break in September. The absence of a player of Rodri’s calibre in any of those matches would force Pep Guardiola’s staff to reshuffle the midfield hierarchy, possibly giving more minutes to younger talents such as Mateo Kovacic or the newly signed Jordan Perry, while also testing the depth of the squad’s defensive midfield options. Rodri’s injury woes have been a recurring theme over the past two seasons.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament tear in September 2024, which limited his involvement to just three Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign. Even after returning from that setback, he struggled with a series of niggling complaints that restricted him to 21 league games last term. The cumulative effect of those injuries has raised concerns among fans and pundits about his long‑term durability, especially given the physical demands of both domestic and international football.
Contractually, Rodri remains tied to Manchester City for another year, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2025. Throughout the season, rumors have linked him with a potential move to Real Madrid, a club that has historically coveted Spanish midfield talent. However, both the newly appointed City manager Enzo Maresca and the club’s hierarchy have publicly expressed a desire to retain the player, indicating that they intend to negotiate a fresh contract extension that reflects his importance to the squad and his recent accolades.
In the wake of his back issue, Rodri reflected on the adversity he has faced and the resilience required to reach the pinnacle of world football. Speaking to Fox Sports, he admitted that the situation left him feeling “a bit shocked” and described the uncertainty surrounding his health as “being in a cloud.” He emphasized that his journey has been marked by periods of hardship followed by resurgence, a narrative he hopes will inspire younger athletes. “When you go down, you can rise again,” he said, underscoring his personal philosophy of perseverance.
Rodri also highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, regardless of the outcomes on the pitch. He recounted his pre‑match pep talk to his teammates, urging them to confront the opposition head‑on and to keep their focus on the immediate challenge. “We have to go for the game.
We need to face them, we have to look them in the eyes,” he explained, illustrating his leadership qualities both on and off the field. He went on to thank the people who supported him throughout his recovery, but also gave credit to himself for the mental fortitude required to overcome setbacks.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both Rodri and Manchester City. Medical assessments will determine the exact timeline for his return, while the coaching staff will need to adapt their tactical plans to compensate for his potential absence.
Should the surgery proceed smoothly and rehabilitation go as expected, Rodri could be back in training within a few weeks, ready to re‑join the squad for the next set of fixtures. However, if complications arise, the club may have to navigate the early part of the season without one of its most influential midfielders, testing the depth and resilience of a squad that has become accustomed to his steady presence. Fans are advised to stay tuned to official club communications for updates on Rodri’s condition, and to follow the Sky Sports app for the latest video highlights and match coverage.
Regardless of the short‑term challenges, Rodri’s determination and track record suggest that he will return to the field with the same hunger and professionalism that earned him the Golden Ball and the respect of football lovers worldwide.