Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has undergone minor back surgery
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Manchester City star Rodri has undergone back surgery with the midfielder now set for a short spell on the sidelines.
City confirmed on Tuesday that the midfielder, the subject of transfer interest from Real Madrid, underwent the procedure and will now begin recovery. The issue is only expected to keep him out of action for a few weeks with the potential of a late-August return. It remains to be seen whether Rodri will be fit for the Premier League opener with Bournemouth on August 23.
A short club statement read: "Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery. The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation. Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery."
Rodri has suffered from injury issues over the past two seasons with a serious knee injury sidelining him for much of the 2024-25 campaign before persistent issues hampered him last term. He returned to full fitness early in 2026 and played a pivotal role as City battled Arsenal for the title. But an injury in the Blues' win over the Gunners in April left him sidelined for a month.
He returned to action in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley but City missed out on the Premier League title to Mikel Arteta's side.
Rodri then went to the World Cup and helped Spain win the tournament, playing a starring role in a superb semi-final victory over France. The midfielder was named the best player at the World Cup to crown a hugely successful summer.
In recent weeks, Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in the 30-year-old, who is into the last 12 months of his City contract. Rodri has been offered fresh terms by the Blues but the deal remains unsigned and there is uncertainty about his future this summer.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca said last week that he was not worried by the transfer talk around his star man, saying: "We have to say that around big players there are always speculation. I'm not worried about that, it's normal. They won the World Cup and he was one of the best players.
"Every manager wants to have Rodri, but now surgery. He needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back here with us."