Rodri, the 30-year-old Spain captain and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, underwent back surgery on Monday, July 27 or Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Manchester City and new manager Enzo Maresca confirmed [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Maresca said, "Now, [he undergoes] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us." [1]
Rodri has battled several injuries recently, including an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season and further setbacks last year [1, 3, 5, 6, 8]. The surgery follows his role as captain of Spain’s World Cup-winning team in July 2026, where he was named Player of the Tournament and awarded the Golden Ball [1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8].
No specific timetable for Rodri’s return has been provided, but he is expected to miss the start of the Premier League season, which begins August 21, 2026 [2, 3, 4, 6, 7]. Manchester City’s Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 16 may come too soon for his comeback [1, 3, 7, 8]. Maresca emphasized the need for rest and recovery, downplaying transfer rumors linking Rodri to Real Madrid. He said, "Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that... I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player." [1, 5, 6, 8]
Rodri has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, which runs until June 2027 [2, 3, 9, 10, 4, 6, 7, 8]. City hope to extend his contract but are preparing for a potential transfer bid from Real Madrid, which reportedly plans to offer between 40-50 million euros (£34-43 million) [11, 9, 10]. Rodri has expressed openness to joining Real Madrid despite a previous season at rival Atlético Madrid in 2018-19, saying, "Having played for Atlético [in 2018-19] before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid... You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs." [10]
Manchester City has signed Elliot Anderson as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri, signaling a transition possibility [12]. Maresca, the new City manager, said he considers replacing Pep Guardiola a "privilege" and described Guardiola as "the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years." [1]
Rodri’s recovery and contract situation remain key as Manchester City prepare for the Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16 and the Premier League opening fixtures later this month [1, 3, 7, 8].
