Manchester City midfielder Rodri is scheduled to undergo minor back surgery, which could lead to him missing the beginning of the Premier League season. The 30-year-old recently captained Spain to a World Cup final victory over Argentina on Sunday, where he was also awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
This potential setback follows two seasons marred by injuries for Rodri. His previous injury issues included rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024 during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. This particular injury kept him out for most of the 2024/25 campaign, limiting him to just three Premier League appearances that season. He then sustained another injury at the Club World Cup last July.
Injury Challenges and Contract Situation
Last season, Rodri continued to face injury problems, including hamstring and groin issues. These recurring setbacks meant he started only 17 Premier League matches during that period. The current back problem could necessitate an operation, further impacting his availability for the upcoming season.
Rodri’s contract with Manchester City is set to expire next June, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. While he has expressed a desire to play in his home country again and is reportedly interested in a transfer to Real Madrid, the Spanish club has not yet made a concrete move to sign him. Despite this, Enzo Maresca, City’s new manager, hopes to retain Rodri and the club is keen for him to sign a new deal.
Reflecting on his recent challenges, Rodri spoke about his difficult journey to success with Spain. He stated, “For me, it’s been a very tough time. I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life. Of course, sometimes things go well, things go wrong, but always the positiveness.”
Impact on Upcoming Fixtures
Rodri was not expected to participate in the Community Shield match against Arsenal due to his World Cup commitments. However, his potential surgery now makes him a doubt for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 23. Following this, City’s schedule includes matches against Crystal Palace (away), Coventry (home), Manchester United (away), and Sunderland (home) before the September international break.
The midfielder’s resilience has been a recurring theme in his recent career. He elaborated on his mindset during difficult moments, saying, “I said to the lads before the game, ‘we have to go for the game’. We need to face them, we have to look to their eyes. We want this game. And then life gives you the World Cup or not, but we were brave and I was brave in that moment I was down, so I want to thank all the people that helped me. But I want to thank myself, to be honest, in those moments.”
In other transfer news, Leeds are reportedly in advanced discussions to sign goalkeeper James Trafford for a fee in the region of £50m. Trafford, who is 23 years old, rejoined City from Burnley last summer in a £27m deal. He had anticipated becoming the first-choice goalkeeper, but that role was subsequently taken by Gianluigi Donnarumma after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Trafford did start in City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal in March and the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in May.
Source: theguardian.com
