Rodri Faces Lengthy Injury Layoff as Manchester City Midfielder May Require Back Surgery
Rodri could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after developing a serious back injury that may require surgery, dealing a significant blow to both Manchester City and the Spanish international just weeks after he enjoyed a triumphant return to the global stage.
The 30-year-old midfielder had finally rediscovered his best form at the FIFA World Cup following two seasons disrupted by a succession of injuries.
As captain of Spain, Rodri led his country to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, producing a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament. His influence in midfield earned him the Golden Ball award as the competition’s best player, underlining his importance to the world champions.
However, the celebrations could prove to be short-lived. Reports suggest Rodri is now struggling with a back problem that could force him to undergo surgery, with the injury expected to keep him out of action for the start of the new Premier League season. Manchester City’s medical staff are continuing to assess the severity of the issue, but there is growing concern that the Spaniard could face another prolonged rehabilitation period.
The latest setback would continue an unfortunate trend for one of the world’s finest defensive midfielders. Rodri’s injury problems began in dramatic fashion during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in September 2024, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The devastating knee injury ruled him out for almost the entire remainder of the campaign and represented the first major injury of his senior career.
Although Rodri worked tirelessly to return to full fitness, his comeback has been repeatedly interrupted. He suffered another injury during the Club World Cup last July before enduring additional hamstring and groin problems throughout the following season. As a result, he managed just 17 Premier League starts, a remarkable statistic for a player who had previously been one of City’s most dependable and consistently available performers.
His absence was keenly felt by Manchester City. For several years, Rodri has served as the heartbeat of City’s midfield, dictating the tempo of matches, shielding the back line, and providing the balance that allows attacking players to flourish. Few players in world football combine tactical intelligence, positional awareness, and passing ability as effectively as the Spanish international, making him one of the most difficult players to replace in the squad.
Manchester City have often struggled to maintain the same level of control when Rodri has been unavailable. His ability to break up opposition attacks, recycle possession, and launch forward moves has become central to the club’s style of play. Losing him again at the beginning of another campaign would represent a major challenge for new manager Enzo Maresca as he prepares for his first full season in charge.
Rodri’s injury also arrives at a delicate moment regarding his long-term future. His current contract is due to expire next June, meaning speculation over a potential departure is likely to intensify if a new agreement is not reached in the coming months.
The midfielder has never hidden his ambition to return to Spain at some stage of his career, and Real Madrid are widely believed to be his preferred destination should he leave England. The European champions have admired Rodri for several years and view him as an ideal addition to strengthen their midfield for the future. Nevertheless, despite persistent transfer speculation, Real Madrid have yet to submit a formal offer or make a concrete move for the player.
Manchester City, meanwhile, remain determined to retain one of their most influential players. Maresca reportedly sees Rodri as a cornerstone of his long-term project and hopes the club can convince him to sign a contract extension despite growing interest from Spain. Any negotiations, however, could become more complicated if the midfielder faces a lengthy recovery from surgery.
Following Spain’s World Cup triumph, Rodri reflected on the difficult road that had brought him back to the top of world football. Speaking after lifting the trophy, he admitted the previous two years had been among the toughest of his career but insisted the experience had made him mentally stronger.
“For me, it’s been a very tough time,” Rodri said. “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.”
His words captured the resilience that has defined his recovery and explained why his World Cup performances resonated with so many supporters. After overcoming multiple setbacks to reach the pinnacle of international football once again, Rodri had hoped to build on that momentum heading into the new club season. Instead, he now faces another uncertain period that could test both his physical and mental strength.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the transfer market, Leeds United are in advanced negotiations to sign goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth around £50 million. The 23-year-old returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer in a £27 million move after believing he would become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Those expectations changed dramatically following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Italian immediately establishing himself as City’s No. 1. Trafford is now expected to seek regular first-team football at Leeds as he looks to continue his development and strengthen his chances of becoming England’s future first-choice goalkeeper.