Rodri World Cup hero faces back surgery as Man City rocked by fresh injury blow

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to undergo back surgery after spearheading Spain’s World Cup triumph, casting major doubt over his availability for the start of the 2026-27 season and raising fresh questions over his future at the Etihad Stadium.

Spain captain sidelined after World Cup glory

The Spain captain returned to Manchester this month having led his country to the 2026 World Cup title and been named the tournament’s best player. But according to The Athletic, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner now requires an operation to address a back problem, with no clear timetable given for his recovery.

The development leaves new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca preparing for his debut campaign without the player who has long been regarded as the team’s on‐field cornerstone.

Rodri, 30, has just one year remaining on his City contract, adding further uncertainty to a situation already complicated by his mounting injury issues.

Major setback for Maresca’s Man City plans

The back injury is the latest in a series of physical setbacks that have severely disrupted Rodri’s club career over the past two seasons.

He suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024, ruling him out of the majority of the 2024-25 campaign.

Subsequent hamstring and thigh problems limited his involvement even further, restricting him to 33 appearances in all competitions last season, only 17 of them starts in the Premier League.

For Maresca, who has taken over following City’s era-defining success under Pep Guardiola, the news represents a significant tactical and psychological blow.

Rodri’s influence in shielding the defence, dictating possession from deep and initiating attacks has been central to City’s style of play in recent years. The club now faces the prospect of opening the new season without their main midfield organiser and defensive screen.

From treble hero to fitness doubts

The contrast with Rodri’s earlier years at City could hardly be sharper.

In the 2022-23 season he was at the peak of his powers, playing a pivotal role in the club’s historic treble.

He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, clinching the trophy and securing a clean sweep of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles.

That campaign cemented his reputation as one of the best holding midfielders in world football and laid the foundations for his individual recognition, including the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

However, the cumulative impact of serious injuries since 2024 has raised concerns over his long-term durability at the highest level, particularly given the physical demands placed on central midfielders in the Premier League.

Contract uncertainty and Real Madrid interest

Off the pitch, Rodri’s future at Manchester City is becoming increasingly uncertain.

With only one year remaining on his current deal, discussions over a contract extension had been expected to take place after the World Cup.

Reports in Spain and England have suggested Real Madrid are keen to sign the midfielder, viewing him as a long-term successor in the heart of their engine room.

Despite that interest, Rodri has so far shown no clear inclination to extend his stay in Manchester, fuelling speculation that he could look for a new challenge.

Yet the latest injury twist – and the absence of any firm date for his return to full fitness – may complicate any potential move this summer.

The uncertainty surrounding his condition and recovery could prompt Real Madrid to delay a formal approach, at least for the current transfer window, as they reassess both the risks and the timing of a big‐money deal.

City braced for crucial decisions

Manchester City must now plan for the possibility of starting the 2026-27 season without their midfield lynchpin, while simultaneously navigating delicate contract and transfer decisions.

Maresca and the club’s hierarchy will need to weigh up whether to invest in a high-profile replacement, rely on internal options, or trust in Rodri’s recovery and attempt to secure his long-term commitment once his fitness is clearer.

What is certain is that the back surgery of one of their most influential players has reshaped City’s summer priorities – and may yet have knock‐on effects in Madrid as well as Manchester.