Manchester City midfielder Rodri out for 'short period' after back surgery

Published Jul 28, 12:03 PM UTC

Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be sidelined for a 'short period of rehabilitation' following back surgery on Monday, as confirmed by new manager Enzo Maresca. No timeline has been set for his return. City face Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August before their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on 23 August. Rodri, who has a year left on his contract, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid after guiding Spain to World Cup glory this month, where he was named player of the tournament. His past two seasons have been heavily disrupted by injury, including missing most of City's 2024-25 campaign with a torn ACL. Separately, defender Josko Gvardiol has signed a new five-year deal keeping him at the club until 2031.