Rodri is set to return to Manchester City after playing a key role in Spain’s World Cup win, but it looks like the midfielder could be out for a while.
Rodri contributed to Spain’s participation in this summer’s World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City will be without World Cup winner Rodri for a while, with the midfielder set to undergo surgery for a back problem. The Spanish midfielder enjoyed a fantastic tournament, starting every game as Spain lifted the trophy against Argentina.
But he seems to have paid the price. According to The Athletic, he will undergo surgery for a lower back problem and his prognosis for return is unknown.
This is the latest blow the 30-year-old has had to endure through a season marred by multiple injuries. After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, he was limited to just three Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 season due to a serious knee injury.
The former Atlético Madrid player struggled to regain his form last season, starting just 17 games. In a speech after winning the World Cup, he claimed that his injury troubles were ultimately personal motivation.
“We’re all in a bit of shock right now, including ourselves,” Rodri told FOX Sports. “I can’t express it in words. I feel like I’m in a cloud right now, but it’s been a very tough time for me.
“I just want the new generation to see my example as an opportunity. If you fall down, you can get back up again. This has been my lifelong philosophy.
“Of course, sometimes things go well and sometimes they don’t, but we’re always positive. I told the players before the game, ‘We have to go to the game.’ We have to face them, we have to look into their eyes. We want this game.
“And life depends on whether you get to 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 everyone who helped me. But honestly, I also want to thank myself at that time.”
Rodri started just 17 league games last season (Image: Getty Images)
Rodri’s absence leaves his future at City up in the air. The Spanish midfielder has one year left on his contract with the club and has been regularly linked with Real Madrid.
Rodri has previously insisted he wants to return to Spain before his career ends, but current conditions suggest Los Blancos are not interested in a move. As for City, they have already made quite a bit of movement in midfield.
Bernardo Silva has already left the club at the end of his contract, while Mateo Kovacic and Nico González could leave before the end of the transfer window. City have already completed a £116m deal to sign England international Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
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