Enzo Maresca's Manchester City tenure looks set to be dealt an early setback, with influential midfielder Rodri facing surgery, following Spain's bid to lift the World Cup
Man City star Rodri will reportedly have surgery on a mystery injury when Spain's World Cup campaign comes to a close.
Man City star Rodri will reportedly have surgery on a mystery injury when Spain's World Cup campaign comes to a close.(Image: (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images))
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Manchester City star Rodri will reportedly undergo surgery on a 'mystery injury' following the conclusion of Spain's World Cup campaign. The influential midfielder will miss the start of the season as a result, though there's hope the setback will not be too severe for the Spanish international.
That's according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Rodri will go under the knife when Spain's World Cup comes to an end. They're set to face Austria in the round of 32 on Thursday and are among the favourites to progress to the latter stages of the competition.
Man City are said to have declined to comment on the reports, which would be an early blow to Enzo Maresca's tenure back at the club.
Rodri is entering the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and has an offer on the table from Man City,
However, it's claimed that talks are not ongoing amid ongoing speculation ahead of a potential move to Real Madrid.
Rodri would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any overseas clubs on January 1, and join them next summer on a free transfer.
If Madrid do come calling, it would mean a reunion with Man City star Bernardo Silva, who left the Etihad this summer to join Jose Mourinho's Los Blancos at the Bernabeu.
Defender Nathan Ake is also entering the final year of his contract at the club, leaving them with a decision to make this summer.
Rodri and Nathan Ake are both entering the final year of their Manchester City contracts
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If Rodri is to undertake surgery, it would be another setback for the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner, who has struggled for fitness since an ACL injury almost two years ago.
It means Maresca will be without a key man during his first pre-season in charge of the club, after they agreed a compensation fee with Chelsea to appoint the former Blues boss.
"Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me," Maresca said after signing a three-year deal.
"City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.
"This will be my third spell here. I know this Club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.
"The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.
"I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City."