Manchester City midfielder Rodri has undergone back surgery and will spend a short period in rehabilitation, with the club confirming no timeframe has been set for his return.
The Spain international had been managing discomfort for some time before undergoing the procedure earlier this week. In a statement, City said the operation was carried out to address the issue, adding that Rodri will now begin his recovery before returning to first-team training.
New head coach Enzo Maresca revealed last week that surgery was the best course of action for the 30-year-old.
“He needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back with us,” Maresca said ahead of the procedure.
The lack of a return date means Rodri is expected to miss the start of City’s campaign, including the Community Shield against Arsenal on 16 August and potentially the Premier League opener against Bournemouth a week later.
Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery.
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— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 28, 2026
Rodri undergoes back surgery as Man City await return
The midfielder’s absence comes after another eventful summer in which he captained Spain to World Cup glory and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Rodri has also been linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, although Manchester City remain keen to extend his contract, which expires next summer.
Injuries have disrupted much of Rodri’s last two seasons. He missed the majority of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament before returning to play a key role for club and country.
City also confirmed a boost off the pitch, with Josko Gvardiol signing a new five-year contract that will keep the Croatia international at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031. The 24-year-old has made 122 appearances since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023 and has already won six trophies, including the Premier League title in his debut season.
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