Manchester City’s midfield anchor and recent World Cup champion, Rodri, is set to undergo a minor operation on his back, a development that may see him sidelined for the opening fixtures of the Premier League season. The 30‑year‑old Spanish international, who captained his country to a dramatic victory over Argentina in the World Cup final and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, has been diagnosed with a lingering back problem that now requires surgical attention, according to sources close to the club.
The timing of the procedure is particularly unfortunate for City, as the team had already ruled Rodri out of the upcoming Community Shield clash with Arsenal, a decision that was made after his exhaustive World Cup campaign. The surgery now casts further doubt over his availability for Manchester City’s first league match against Bournemouth, scheduled for Sunday, August 23, and to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. If the operation and recovery take longer than anticipated, the midfielder could also miss the early away fixtures against Crystal Palace, the home game versus Coventry City, the high‑profile encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the home tie with Sunderland, all of which are slated 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 tumultuous couple of seasons plagued by physical setbacks. In September 2024, he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that limited his involvement to a mere three Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign. Subsequent niggling injuries kept him to just 21 top‑flight matches in the previous term, preventing him from establishing the rhythm that had made him one of the league’s most influential midfielders. Despite the setbacks, Rodri remains under contract with Manchester City for one more season, and speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid has persisted throughout the summer.
However, the club’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, along with the City hierarchy, have publicly expressed a desire to retain the Spanish playmaker and are reportedly working on a contract extension that would see him stay at the Etihad for the foreseeable future. In the wake of his surgery announcement, Rodri reflected on the personal and professional challenges he has faced over the past year. Speaking to Fox Sports, he described his emotions as a mixture of shock and disbelief, noting that the situation feels “like being in a cloud.” He emphasized that his journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, serves as a testament to resilience and determination.
"We’re a bit shocked right now, even myself," Rodri said. "I cannot express it in words. I think now we’re like in a cloud, but for me, it’s been a very tough time." He went on to explain that his aim is to inspire younger generations, urging them to view adversity as an opportunity for growth.
"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 affirmed.
Rodri also highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of circumstances. "Of course, sometimes things go well, sometimes they go wrong, but always the positivity," he added.
This mindset was evident in his pre‑match pep talk before the World Cup final, where he urged his teammates to focus on the task at hand, to meet their opponents eye‑to‑eye, and to play with conviction. "I said to the lads before the game, ‘we have to go for the game’. We need to face them, we have to look into their eyes.
We want this game. And then 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 recalled. He concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of his own role in overcoming obstacles. "But I want to thank myself, to be honest, in those moments," he confessed, underscoring the personal responsibility he feels for his recovery and future success.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will need to adjust their midfield strategy in Rodri’s absence, potentially giving more responsibility to players like Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gündogan, or the emerging talent of Jeremy Doku. The club’s medical team will monitor his progress closely, aiming for a swift yet safe return to full training.
Fans, meanwhile, will be watching the situation closely, hoping that the surgery resolves the back issue without a prolonged lay‑off, allowing the Spanish midfielder to resume his pivotal role in one of Europe’s most ambitious squads. In summary, Rodri’s upcoming back surgery represents a significant hurdle for both the player and Manchester City as they embark on a new season.
While the short‑term outlook suggests he may miss several key fixtures, his proven resilience and the club’s commitment to his welfare provide optimism that he will return stronger, ready to continue his quest for domestic and European glory.