Back surgery sidelines World Cup champion Rodri as City eye new season

Manchester City midfielder Rodri, the 30‑year‑old Spanish world champion crowned last Sunday, will miss the start of the new season after undergoing back surgery on Monday, the club confirmed. City coach Enzo Maresca said the player requires rest to fully recover before training resumes.

The operation follows the Spanish national team’s World Cup triumph, a victory secured on Sunday that added a major international accolade to Rodri’s résumé. The final win came just days before the scheduled surgery, highlighting the swift shift from celebration to recovery.

Enzo Maresca, the City head coach, confirmed the back surgery and emphasized that the midfielder will need a period of rest before returning to training. He warned that a rushed comeback could jeopardise the player’s long‑term fitness.

Maresca indicated that the recovery timeline will extend into the early weeks of the upcoming Premier League campaign, meaning Rodri will not be available for the opening fixtures. Manchester City’s first league match is slated for August, and the midfield will have to adapt without him.

The club’s medical team will monitor his progress with regular assessments to determine when he can rejoin full training. Their priority is a complete recovery rather than a hurried return.

While fans celebrated his World Cup success, the news of his surgery underscores the physical toll of a demanding season ahead for Manchester City. Supporters expressed disappointment on social media, noting the irony of celebrating a World Cup win only to face a season‑long absence.