New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that World Cup champion Rodri will undergo an operation on a back problem on Monday.
The 30-year-old Spain skipper helped lead his nation to the World Cup title last week and received the Golden Ball as the competition’s outstanding player.
However, the midfielder endured two difficult club seasons. An anterior cruciate ligament injury kept him out for most of the 2024-25 campaign, while a series of setbacks frequently ruled him out last season.
The Ballon d’Or recipient rediscovered his finest form at the World Cup, but Maresca confirmed during his first press conference as City manager that Rodri must now have surgery and complete a period of rehabilitation.
“He is scheduled to have surgery on Monday. After that, he needs some time away to rest and recover before rejoining us,” the Italian coach explained.
Maresca offered no specific timetable for Rodri’s comeback, although he rejected doubts about the midfielder’s future at Etihad Stadium after recent reports suggested a possible transfer to Real Madrid.
“Leading players are constantly the subject of transfer rumours, so it is not something that concerns me,” he said.
“That attention is understandable because Spain won the World Cup and he is among the game’s finest players. Any manager would be delighted to work with Rodri because of his exceptional quality.”
Regarding the remaining players yet to report back, Maresca expects them to join the squad three or four days before City meet Premier League title holders Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
