Manchester City’s midfield powerhouse Rodri, fresh from captaining Spain to a World Cup triumph, is scheduled to undergo a minor surgical procedure on his back. The operation, aimed at addressing a lingering spinal issue, could see the 30‑year‑old miss the opening fixtures of the Premier League season.
Rodri, who lifted the World Cup trophy after Spain’s dramatic victory over Argentina in the final and collected the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, has now been sidelined by a back problem that requires medical attention, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The timing of the surgery is unfortunate, as the midfielder had already been ruled out of the Community Shield clash with Arsenal, a match he missed after his heroics on the international stage. The latest development casts further doubt over his availability for City’s first league encounter against Bournemouth, scheduled for Sunday, 23 August, and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
If Rodri is unable to feature against Bournemouth, the club’s early‑season itinerary becomes even more challenging. City are slated to travel to Crystal Palace, host Coventry City, travel to Old Trafford for a high‑stakes derby with Manchester United, and then welcome Sunderland back to the Etihad before the international break in September.
The absence of their midfield anchor could force Pep Guardiola’s side to reshuffle tactics and lean heavily on other midfield options such as Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gündogan or the emerging talent of Jeremy Doku. The news arrives after a turbulent couple of seasons for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
In September 2023, Rodri suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury that limited him to just three Premier League appearances in the 2023/24 campaign. Subsequent niggles and fitness setbacks meant he managed only 21 league games the following season, a stark contrast to his usual ever‑present status. Despite these setbacks, Rodri’s resilience shone through on the international stage, where he helped Spain secure their first World Cup title since 2010. Rodri’s contract with Manchester City runs for one more year, and rumours have swirled about a potential move to Real Madrid.
However, both the club’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, and the City hierarchy have publicly expressed a desire to retain the Spanish midfielder and are reportedly working on a contract extension that would keep him at the Etihad beyond the current term. Reflecting on the adversity he has faced, Rodri told Fox Sports that his journey is meant to serve as an inspiration for younger players.
"We’re a bit shocked right now, even myself," he said. "I cannot put it into words. It feels like we’re in a cloud, but it has been a very tough time for me." He continued, emphasizing the importance of perseverance: "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. Of course, sometimes things go well, sometimes they go wrong, but always stay positive." Rodri also recounted his mindset before the World Cup final: "I said to the lads before the game, ‘we have to go for the game’. We need to face them, we have to look them in the eyes.
We want this game. Life gives you the World Cup or not, but we were brave and I was brave in that moment when I was down, so I want to thank all the people that helped me." He concluded with a personal note of gratitude: "But I want to thank myself, to be honest, in those moments." The candid admission underscores the mental fortitude required to overcome injury setbacks and perform at the highest level.
For Manchester City supporters, the prospect of Rodri’s absence is a cause for concern, but the club’s depth and the tactical acumen of the coaching staff provide a cushion. The medical team will monitor his recovery closely, and if the surgery proceeds without complications, Rodri could return to full training within a few weeks, potentially rejoining the squad for the mid‑season fixtures. In the meantime, fans can stay updated via the Sky Sports app, which offers live coverage, match highlights, and exclusive interviews.
The club’s official channels will also release further details on Rodri’s condition as the situation develops. Overall, while the back operation adds another hurdle to an already injury‑laden period for Rodri, his proven resilience and the support of both club and country suggest that he will aim to bounce back stronger, ready to contribute to City’s title ambitions once he is medically cleared.