Rodri Faces Surgery on Mystery Injury Ahead of New Season

Rodri will undergo surgery to treat a mystery injury after the 2024 World Cup, meaning he will miss Manchester City’s pre‑season and leaves Enzo Maresca’s inaugural campaign without his midfield anchor. The operation is scheduled once Spain’s World Cup run ends on 20 July, and the midfielder is already in the final year of his contract with the Etihad.

The Daily Mail reported that Rodri’s problem is classified as a ‘mystery’ ailment, meaning doctors have not pinpointed a specific tissue damage despite extensive scans. Sources say the surgery will address a lingering issue in his lower back that has flared up during recent training sessions.

Rodri’s last major setback was an ACL rupture in January 2022 while at Atletico Madrid. He spent 12 months in rehabilitation before returning to full fitness for the 2023‑24 season, a comeback that earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The current issue therefore raises concerns about his long‑term durability.

Maresca, who returned to Manchester City after a compensation deal with Chelsea, expected a smooth start with his core squad intact. Losing Rodri for the first weeks of pre‑season forces the Italian coach to reshuffle midfield drills and rely on younger players such as Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic to fill the void.

The manager praised Rodri’s tactical discipline, noting that the midfielder’s ability to dictate tempo and shield the back line has been a cornerstone of City’s recent dominance. Without that anchor, Maresca will have to experiment with a higher‑press system, a gamble that could expose defensive frailties early in the campaign.

City’s squad depth offers some reassurance; Kevin De Bruyne can drop deeper, while Jeremy Doku provides pace on the flanks. Yet the chemistry Rodri built with the defensive line over four title‑winning campaigns cannot be replicated overnight, and early‑season results may reflect that adjustment period.

Rodri’s deal runs out in June 2025, and reports suggest City have tabled an extension but negotiations remain at an early stage. Real Madrid have been linked with a £70 million move, a figure that would reunite him with former teammate Bernardo Silva, who joined the Spanish giants last summer.

If talks stall, Rodri could sign a pre‑contract with any foreign club from 1 January 2025, according to FIFA regulations. A departure would also leave defender Nathan Ake, also in the final year of his contract, facing a similar crossroads.

Manchester City’s wage bill already tops the Premier League, and extending Rodri’s contract would require a salary increase that could strain the club’s financial fair play calculations. Conversely, a lucrative sale would free up funds for a potential marquee signing, a scenario the board is reportedly weighing carefully.