Manchester City midfielder Rodri has successfully undergone back surgery, the club has confirmed, though the exact duration of his absence remains unclear. The Spain international is now set to "begin a short period of rehabilitation" following the procedure.
In an official statement, Manchester City confirmed: "Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery. 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."
The midfielder underwent the procedure on Monday after "feeling discomfort for some time." This latest health concern marks another setback for the player, who has faced a series of fitness challenges since sustaining a serious knee injury nearly two years ago. Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid after guiding Spain to World Cup glory this month. He was named player of the tournament. His past two seasons have been heavily disrupted by injury, and he missed most of City's 2024-25 campaign with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
New manager Enzo Maresca addressed the situation last week, stating he was "not worried" about the midfielder’s future. "He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us," the Italian commented ahead of Rodri’s operation.
Sources have told ESPN that City have not given up hope of agreeing a new contract with Rodri, who has one year remaining on his deal. However, However, the club are braced for a bid from Real Madrid after his performances for Spain at the World Cup. The former Atletico Madrid star, who has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, with rumours intensifying after he was named player of the tournament at the recent World Cup.
City have already bolstered their midfield with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.