Midfielder impressed at the World Cup but may now need surgery for a back injury
Manchester City fear Rodri could be out for a lengthy spell after the Spain captain emerged from the World Cup with a back problem that could require surgery.
The midfielder was one of the outstanding performers of the Stateside summer tournament, leading Spain to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final and collecting the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player. His return to top form came after two difficult seasons interrupted by a series of injuries.
Further assessments of the 30-year-old will reveal the extent of his injury, but City are now worried he could be out for a long time if a surgery is needed. The setback would add to a run of fitness problems that has limited his appearances since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture against Arsenal in September 2024.
Rodri missed most of that campaign before sustaining another injury at last year’s Club World Cup. Hamstring and groin problems then restricted him to 17 Premier League starts last season.
“For me, it’s been a very tough time,” Rodri said about his injuries after helping Spain to the World Cup. “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.”
The latest injury also comes at a time when Rodri’s long-term future remains unresolved. His contract expires next summer and Real Madrid have stepped up their interest, although no formal approach has been made. Rodri is also understood to want to play again in Spain at some stage of his career.
