Story perspectives

Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery, Miss Season Start

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rodri will undergo back surgery, likely missing the season start.
He captained Spain to a 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina and won the Golden Ball.
He previously suffered a ruptured ACL in September 2024 and later hamstring and groin problems.
He will miss the Community Shield on Aug 16, the league opener versus Bournemouth on Aug 23, and early fixtures through Oct.

History

Historical Context

2006 saw Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard suffer a ruptured ankle, forcing him out of the final twelve Premier League matches and weakening the club’s title challenge. Manager Rafael Benítez recorded that Gerrard’s absence cost Liverpool an estimated £15 million in lost prize money and commercial revenue. Similarly, Spain midfielder Rodri now faces back surgery, guaranteeing his miss of the Community Shield, Bournemouth opener, and early league fixtures through October. These high-profile absences compel elite teams to reshuffle line-ups, testing squad depth and influencing domestic and European campaign outcomes.

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Story summary

Rodri will undergo back surgery, likely missing the season start.
He captained Spain to a 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina and won the Golden Ball.
He previously suffered a ruptured ACL in September 2024 and later hamstring and groin problems.
He will miss the Community Shield on Aug 16, the league opener versus Bournemouth on Aug 23, and early fixtures through Oct.

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