Rodri's Back Surgery Successful; Man City Expects Quick Recovery
WHO:
Goal.com - Enzo Maresca, new manager of Manchester City, stated, "First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation. So I’m not worried about that, it’s normal, also because they won the World Cup - he is one of the best players."
France 24 - Rodri, a 30-year-old midfielder for Manchester City and captain of the Spanish national team.
AOL.com - Rodri was named the best player at the 2026 World Cup.
Yahoo Sports - Enzo Maresca, new manager of Manchester City.
WHAT:
The New York Times - Rodri is expected to return to the team a few days before the Community Shield match against Arsenal, with sources indicating he may be back before the end of August.
Yahoo Sports - Rodri will miss the club's upcoming pre-season tour of Asia early next month.
AOL.com - Rodri's contract with Manchester City has entered its final 12 months, and while a lucrative renewal offer is on the table, he has not indicated a willingness to sign it.
FOX Sports - Real Madrid is reportedly optimistic about finalizing a deal for Rodri before the transfer window closes.
The New York Times - Rodri is expected back with the team a few days before the Community Shield against Arsenal, along with other City players that participated in the World Cup quarter-finals or later.
Yahoo Sports - Rodri will be granted the longest holiday periods of all Manchester City players who participated in the World Cup.
France 24 - Manchester City confirmed that Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery.
Goal.com - Rodri had been feeling discomfort for some time before the surgery.
The New York Times - Rodri is expected to return to the team a few days before the Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 16.
AOL.com - Rodri received the Golden Ball trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the World Cup final.
Yahoo Sports - Rodri will begin a short period of rehabilitation following his surgery.
WHERE:
AOL.com - The 2026 World Cup final took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
France 24 - The surgery was confirmed by Manchester City, based in Manchester, England.
WHEN:
Yahoo Sports - The Community Shield match against Arsenal is scheduled for Sunday, 16 August.
Yahoo Sports - The Community Shield match against Arsenal is scheduled for August 16.
AOL.com - Rodri will have three weeks off to rest and recover after the World Cup.
WHY:
beIN SPORTS - Rodri's rehabilitation process raises questions about his continuity at City, especially since Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona have shown interest in his services.
France 24 - The surgery was necessary to address ongoing discomfort Rodri had been experiencing.
Goal.com - Speculation about Rodri's future intensified after Spain's victory in the World Cup.
HOW:
The Athletic - Rodri's serious injury in September 2024 ruled him out for almost the entirety of the 2024-25 season, and he started just 21 of City’s 38 Premier League matches last season due to various fitness issues.
France 24 - The procedure was described as a minor back surgery.
Yahoo Sports - Rodri will be granted the longest holiday periods of all Manchester City players who participated in the World Cup.
(UPDATED July 29, 2026 01:24 UTC)
Rodri is expected to return to Manchester City just days before the Community Shield match against Arsenal, with sources suggesting he may be back before the end of August. However, he will miss the club's upcoming pre-season tour of Asia early next month. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is reportedly optimistic about finalizing a deal for Rodri before the transfer window closes, even as his contract with Manchester City enters its final 12 months and he has not shown willingness to sign a lucrative renewal offer.
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(UPDATED July 28, 2026 19:26 UTC)
Manchester City's new manager, Enzo Maresca, addressed speculation surrounding key players, emphasizing that it's normal given their recent World Cup success. Rodri is expected to return to the team just days before the Community Shield match against Arsenal on Sunday, August 16, and will enjoy the longest holiday among City players who participated in the tournament. However, his rehabilitation raises concerns about his future at City, as clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona have expressed interest, particularly following his injury struggles last season.
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(UPDATED July 28, 2026 13:30 UTC)
Rodri, the 30-year-old midfielder for Manchester City and captain of the Spanish national team, has successfully undergone minor back surgery, as confirmed by the club. Following his recent triumph at the 2026 World Cup, where he was named the best player and received the Golden Ball trophy, Rodri will begin a short rehabilitation period and is expected to return just before the Community Shield match against Arsenal on August 16. He will enjoy an extended holiday, the longest of any Manchester City player who participated in the World Cup, to recover from the discomfort that led to the surgery.