Rodri's Successful Back Surgery Sparks Future Speculation at Man City
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has successfully undergone back surgery, as confirmed by the club. The specifics of his recovery timeline remain uncertain, but he is set to "begin a short period of rehabilitation" following the procedure. The 30-year-old Spain international, who recently won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has battled a lingering back issue, prompting what City described as a "minor" operation. This latest health setback adds to a series of fitness challenges Rodri has faced since suffering a serious knee injury nearly two years ago. In an official statement, Manchester City noted: "Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery. The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation." This update arrives amid ongoing speculation about Rodri’s future at the club. With just one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, he has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, especially after being named player of the tournament at the recent World Cup. New manager Enzo Maresca addressed these concerns last week, stating he was "not worried" about Rodri’s future, adding, "He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us." In contrast, defender Josko Gvardiol has secured his future with Manchester City, signing a new five-year deal. Gvardiol, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2023 and won the club's player-of-the-year award for 2024-25, expressed his commitment, stating, "As soon as City wanted to renew my contract, I knew it was what I wanted." Gvardiol joins Abdukodir Khusanov in signing a new contract this summer as City looks to strengthen their defense following the departures of John Stones and Nathan Ake. He is anticipated to compete with Khusanov and Marc Guehi for a starting position next season.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-07-28