Full Breakdown
Rodri Undergoes Minor Back Surgery Ahead of New Season
7/28/2026, 7:45:07 PM
Background & Context
Spain’s 30-year-old midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and player of the tournament as he captained Spain to World Cup glory, has spent the past two seasons battling serious injuries. A torn anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024 ruled him out for most of the 2024-25 campaign, and hamstring and groin problems limited him to 17 Premier League starts last season. Despite those setbacks, he returned to full fitness early in 2026, helped Manchester City challenge Arsenal for the title, and featured in Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Rodri’s contract with Manchester City runs for one more year, expiring in the summer of 2027. Because of his recent performances, he has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, a transfer rumor that the club has publicly down-played.
Timeline
- July 21 2026 – Reports indicated potential departures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico González, while Bernardo Silva left after his contract expired.
- July 22 2026 – Media announced that Rodri was scheduled to undergo surgery on his back, though a return date was not confirmed.
- July 28 2026 – Rodri underwent a minor back procedure on Monday, as confirmed by the club.
- August 16 2026 (scheduled) – Manchester City are expected to face Arsenal in the Community Shield; sources suggest Rodri could be back a few days before that match.
- August 21 2026 (scheduled) – British media reported he may miss the start of the Premier League season.
- August 23 2026 (scheduled) – City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth is set for this date, with Rodri’s availability still uncertain.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 30 years.
- Awards: 2024 Ballon d’Or; Player of the Tournament at the 2026 World Cup.
- 2022-23 Season: 56 appearances as part of City’s treble-winning side.
- Contract: One year remaining, expiring summer 2027.
- Transfer Interest: Real Madrid linked with a summer move; Manchester City have signed midfielder Elliot Anderson for £116 million this summer.
Official Statements & Responses
Manchester City released an official statement confirming the surgery and outlining the recovery plan.
Why It Matters
Rodri’s role as a deep-lying playmaker is central to Manchester City’s midfield structure. His short-term absence forces the club to rely on recent signing Elliot Anderson and other midfield options ahead of the season’s start. The timing of his recovery also influences the transfer market; a fit Rodri could command a premium in any negotiations with Real Madrid, while an extended rehabilitation might affect City’s bargaining position.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Manchester City
