Rodri faces back surgery and an uncertain Manchester City future as speculation grows over a possible move to Real Madrid.
Rodri faces surgery setback as Real Madrid speculation grows
Manchester City have suffered a major setback ahead of the new season after Rodri developed a back problem that is expected to require surgery, placing his availability for the opening weeks of Enzo Maresca’s reign in serious doubt.
The Athletic and The Guardian both reported the development on Thursday, although the latter was slightly more cautious about the certainty of the operation. Even so, the situation is understood to be sufficiently serious for an intervention to appear unavoidable.
The timing could hardly be worse for Manchester City. Rodri returned from the World Cup in outstanding form after helping Spain win the tournament and being named Player of the Tournament, but he is now facing another period away from the pitch before the domestic season has even begun.
City had hoped that the summer would mark the beginning of a more stable period for the midfielder after two injury-disrupted campaigns. Instead, the latest diagnosis has created fresh uncertainty around one of the most important players in the squad.
The 30-year-old is not expected to be immediately available to Maresca, who has taken charge of the team during a period of transition. The new manager must now prepare for the possibility of starting the season without the player who has long provided balance, control and tactical security in central midfield.
Rodri’s absence would be particularly significant because of the way Manchester City structure their play. The Spain captain is often the player responsible for receiving possession from the defenders, resisting pressure and setting the tempo of attacks.
His influence also extends far beyond his passing. Rodri protects the defensive line, closes spaces during transitions and gives more attacking teammates the freedom to move into advanced areas without leaving the team exposed.
Replacing that combination of physical presence, positional intelligence and technical quality is extremely difficult. City have other midfielders capable of operating in deeper positions, but few can reproduce the complete range of responsibilities Rodri normally assumes.
The club have already taken steps to strengthen that area by signing Elliot Anderson. The midfielder is expected to provide Maresca with an additional option while Rodri recovers and could now receive a more prominent role than initially anticipated.
Anderson brings energy, ball-carrying ability and Premier League experience, but he should not be viewed as a direct copy of Rodri. City may therefore need to adjust their midfield structure rather than simply asking the new signing to perform exactly the same role.
Maresca could choose to use two players in deeper positions, distribute Rodri’s responsibilities across the midfield or modify the build-up system until the Spanish international is ready to return.
The severity of the back problem and the expected recovery period have not yet been fully clarified. Much will depend on the precise nature of the procedure and how Rodri responds during the first stages of rehabilitation.
Manchester City are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with a player who has already experienced several physical problems in recent seasons. The medical department will want to ensure that the issue is completely resolved rather than rushing him back and risking another setback.
The latest problem adds to a difficult sequence for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Rodri missed a significant portion of the 2024/25 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, one of the most serious setbacks a footballer can face.
That injury deprived City of their midfield leader for a prolonged period and required an extensive rehabilitation programme. His eventual return at last year’s Club World Cup was initially viewed as the end of a difficult chapter.
However, Rodri was unable to enjoy a completely uninterrupted campaign after returning. Hamstring and groin problems affected his availability during the following season and prevented him from building the consistency normally associated with his game.
The groin issue was resolved just in time for the World Cup, allowing him to represent Spain and play a decisive role in the national team’s successful campaign.
His performances during the tournament appeared to confirm that he had returned to his highest level. Rodri controlled matches with authority, dictated the rhythm of Spain’s possession and provided leadership during the most demanding stages of the competition.
He emerged as one of the central figures in Spain’s title-winning team and was later recognised as the outstanding player of the tournament.
That achievement made the latest injury news particularly frustrating. Rodri had only recently demonstrated that he remained capable of dominating matches at the highest level, but his body has again interrupted the momentum generated by his international success.
City will now have to manage the situation carefully. Back problems can be particularly sensitive for midfielders because of the constant twisting, acceleration and physical contact involved in the position.
The club will want greater clarity before setting a realistic return date. Even after surgery, Rodri is likely to require a gradual programme involving rest, mobility work, strength training and controlled football exercises.
His absence could also influence Manchester City’s transfer plans. Anderson has already arrived, but the club may consider whether additional midfield cover is necessary if Rodri is expected to miss a substantial number of matches.
Maresca will have to evaluate the options available during pre-season and determine whether the squad can absorb another extended absence for the Spanish midfielder.
The situation may also create opportunities for players who previously struggled for regular minutes. A younger midfielder or a more versatile member of the squad could be given additional responsibility while Rodri remains unavailable.
Nevertheless, the challenge is not simply replacing one player in the starting line-up. Rodri has become fundamental to the identity of the team and to the way City manage possession under pressure.
When he is absent, the team can become more vulnerable to counterattacks and may struggle to control matches with the same authority. Opponents often attempt to target the spaces around City’s midfield when Rodri is not present to protect them.
Maresca’s ability to find an effective solution will therefore be closely examined. The new manager is expected to introduce his own tactical ideas, but the injury forces him to make one of his most important decisions earlier than anticipated.
The uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s fitness comes at a time when speculation about his long-term future is also intensifying.
Spanish media have spent much of the week discussing the possibility of the midfielder returning to La Liga following Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Rodri previously represented Villarreal and Atlético Madrid before moving to Manchester City, and reports in Spain claim that he would be open to returning to his home country at some stage of his career.
His current contract runs until 2027, but he has reportedly not yet agreed to an extension. That position has naturally encouraged speculation about whether City could face a major decision if no progress is made in contract negotiations.
From the club’s perspective, allowing Rodri to enter the final year of his deal without an agreement would be a significant risk. His importance to the team and his status in world football mean that City would want to avoid losing control of the situation.
Real Madrid have been repeatedly mentioned as the midfielder’s preferred destination. A move to the Spanish capital would allow Rodri to return to La Liga while joining one of the few clubs capable of matching Manchester City’s sporting ambitions.
The possibility is particularly intriguing because Real Madrid are constantly looking for players capable of defining an era in midfield.
Rodri’s experience, leadership and ability to control matches would appear to suit a club accustomed to competing for the biggest trophies.
His profile could also offer Real Madrid greater balance. The Spanish international is capable of protecting the defence, organising possession and allowing more creative players to operate with fewer defensive responsibilities.
However, opinion in Spain remains divided over whether Real Madrid will make a serious attempt to sign him.
President Florentino Pérez is known for pursuing elite players when the sporting and financial conditions are favourable, but Rodri’s age, injury history and potential cost could influence the club’s position.
At 30, the midfielder remains at the peak of his career, but any major investment would need to be assessed in relation to the length of contract Madrid would be prepared to offer.
The latest back problem may also become relevant if the speculation develops into formal negotiations. Real Madrid would want a complete medical evaluation before committing to a transfer involving one of the most important midfielders in the game.
José Mourinho’s position will also be significant. The Real Madrid coach would have to determine whether Rodri fits the structure he wants to build and whether the club should prioritise such an experienced player over younger alternatives.
Mourinho has always valued midfielders capable of controlling space, protecting the defence and managing difficult moments. Rodri’s tactical discipline and competitive personality would therefore appear compatible with many of the qualities the Portuguese coach normally demands.
Even so, Real Madrid may not consider the deal urgent if they are satisfied with their existing midfield options.
Much could depend on Manchester City’s response. The English club are unlikely to welcome interest in a player they still regard as central to their project.
City may attempt to accelerate contract talks once Rodri’s medical situation becomes clearer. A new deal would remove uncertainty and send a message that the club remain committed to building around him.
Rodri, however, may prefer to wait before making a decision. His performances at the World Cup strengthened his position and confirmed that he remains one of the most influential midfielders in international football.
He could therefore assess both the sporting direction of Manchester City under Maresca and the possibility of a return to Spain before deciding whether to extend his contract.
The arrival of a new manager adds another element to the situation. Rodri was one of the central figures in City’s previous tactical structure, but he will now need to understand how Maresca intends to use him.
If the new coach builds the team around his qualities, that could strengthen City’s case in negotiations. If the sporting project appears less stable or less suited to his ambitions, speculation about a departure may continue.
For the moment, the immediate concern is his health rather than his future.
Rodri must recover from the back problem and complete the necessary rehabilitation before contract discussions or transfer rumours can become the main focus.
Manchester City will provide updates once the medical procedure and recovery plan are confirmed. Until then, Maresca must prepare his squad without knowing exactly when his most important midfielder will be available.
The opening weeks of the season could therefore become an important test for both the manager and the depth of the squad.
Anderson’s adaptation will attract particular attention. The new signing may be asked to assume responsibility sooner than expected, although City are likely to avoid placing the entire burden of replacing Rodri on one player.
The team could use a more collective approach, with several midfielders sharing defensive and creative duties. That solution may reduce the impact of Rodri’s absence, even if it cannot completely reproduce his influence.
The injury also underlines the physical demands placed on elite players. Rodri has spent several seasons playing in domestic competitions, European tournaments and international matches with limited recovery time.
His role for both club and country requires a high level of concentration and physical output, and the accumulation of matches may have contributed to the series of problems he has experienced.
Manchester City will have to consider how to manage his workload once he returns. Regular rotation may become necessary even if Rodri remains the preferred option in the biggest matches.
Spain will also follow the situation closely. As captain and one of the leaders of the world champions, Rodri remains a central figure in the national team’s plans.
His World Cup performances demonstrated the importance of his leadership and ability to control high-pressure matches.
The federation will hope that the surgery resolves the issue completely and allows him to return without further complications.
For Rodri, the setback arrives at a moment when his reputation has never been higher. Winning the World Cup and being named the tournament’s best player reinforced his status as one of the defining midfielders of his generation.
It also increased the attention surrounding his future, particularly in Spain, where the possibility of a return to La Liga has become a major subject of debate.
Real Madrid remain the club most frequently associated with him, but there is no indication that an agreement is close or that Manchester City are prepared to negotiate.
The coming months are likely to determine whether the speculation develops into a genuine transfer story or remains part of the wider uncertainty caused by his contract situation.
Much will depend on his recovery, City’s performance under Maresca and the progress of negotiations over a possible extension.
For now, Manchester City are dealing with the immediate consequences of another injury to their midfield leader.
The club had hoped to begin the new era with Rodri at the centre of the team. Instead, Maresca must find a way to compensate for his absence while the Spanish international prepares for surgery and another demanding rehabilitation process.
The setback is significant, but Rodri’s recent performances for Spain demonstrated that he can still return to his highest level after serious injury.
Manchester City will now hope that the latest problem can be resolved successfully and that their captain returns in time to play a major role in the season.
Until then, the uncertainty surrounding both his fitness and his future will remain one of the most important stories around the club.
