Manchester City’s midfield anchor and recent World Cup champion, Rodri, is slated to undergo a minor operation on his back, a development that could see him absent from the opening fixtures of the Premier League. The 30‑year‑old, who captained Spain to a dramatic triumph 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 surgical attention, according to sources close to the club.
The timing of the procedure is particularly inconvenient for City, who had already ruled the Spanish midfielder out of the Community Shield clash against Arsenal after his exhaustive World Cup campaign. The back surgery now casts further doubt over his availability for Manchester City’s first league match, a home game against Bournemouth scheduled for Sunday, 23 August, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. If the operation and recovery take longer than anticipated, Rodri could also miss the early season fixtures that follow, including away at Crystal Palace, a home encounter with Coventry City, the high‑profile derby at Manchester United, and a home tie against Sunderland before the international break in September.
Rodri’s recent injury history adds another layer of concern. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has endured a turbulent couple of seasons plagued by physical setbacks.
In September 2024 he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament rupture, limiting him to just three Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign. Subsequent niggles and lingering fitness issues restricted him to a total of 21 top‑flight games last term, a stark contrast to the ever‑present role he once enjoyed in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite these challenges, the midfielder’s contract with City runs for another year, and there have been persistent rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid. However, both the new City manager, Enzo Maresca, and the club’s hierarchy have publicly expressed a desire to retain the Spanish star and are reportedly working on a fresh contract to secure his long‑term future at the Etihad.
In the wake of his surgery announcement, Rodri reflected on the adversity he has overcome to reach the pinnacle of world football this summer. Speaking to Fox Sports, he admitted that the news left him “a bit shocked,” adding that it was difficult to put his feelings into words. He described his situation as feeling “like being in a cloud,” emphasizing the emotional toll that the combination of injury and recovery has taken on him.
Yet, the midfielder also used the moment to convey a broader message about resilience and perseverance. He said he hopes his journey can serve as an inspiration for younger generations, illustrating that setbacks can be turned into opportunities for growth.
Rodri’s personal philosophy, he explained, revolves around the idea that when you fall, you must rise again. He reiterated that life is a mixture of successes and failures, but maintaining a positive outlook is essential. "I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again.
This is my philosophy for my entire life," he told the interviewers. The player also highlighted the importance of self‑belief and gratitude, thanking both the people who supported him throughout his career and himself for staying determined during the toughest moments. The midfielder’s comments also touched on his mindset heading into crucial matches. He recalled urging his teammates before a recent game, saying, "We have to go for the game.
We need to face them, we have to look them in the eye. We want this game." He drew a parallel between the intensity of club football and the enormity of the World Cup, noting that both require bravery and commitment. "Life gives you the World Cup or not, but we were brave and I was brave in that moment I was down, so I want to thank all the people that helped me," Rodri said, before adding a candid thank‑you to himself for persevering.
While the exact timetable for Rodri’s recovery remains uncertain, medical staff at Manchester City are optimistic that the minor nature of the procedure will allow a relatively swift return to training. Nonetheless, the club will likely manage his workload carefully to avoid any recurrence of back problems, especially given his recent injury record.
Fans will be hoping that the midfielder can rejoin the squad soon, as his presence in the midfield is pivotal to City’s tactical setup, providing both defensive solidity and the ability to launch attacks from deep positions. In the broader context of the Premier League, Rodri’s potential absence could have implications for City’s early season performance.
The team has already lost a key figure in the midfield, and manager Enzo Maresca will need to rely on alternatives such as Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, or the emerging talent from the academy to fill the void. The situation also adds another variable to the ongoing speculation about Rodri’s future, with Real Madrid continuing to monitor his progress closely. Overall, the combination of a minor back operation, a history of injuries, and contractual uncertainty creates a complex scenario for one of football’s most celebrated midfielders.
Rodri’s determination to turn adversity into motivation, however, suggests that he will approach his rehabilitation with the same professionalism and grit that characterised his World Cup heroics. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Etihad to see when the Spanish midfielder can once again take his place in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield engine.