Manchester City's engine room is about to hit crisis mode as their talismanic midfielder, Rodri, faces a potentially extended stint on the sidelines with a back injury that could require surgical intervention. The 30-year-old was riding high after captaining Spain to World Cup glory and earning himself the coveted Golden Ball award – but now his focus will shift from celebrating on the pitch to getting treatment in the clinic.
It's a bitter pill for Rodri to swallow, especially given he'd seemingly hit top gear at the World Cup, having endured two seasons plagued by injuries. His struggles began with a devastating ACL rupture suffered against Arsenal back in September 2024 – an injury that kept him out of action for most of that campaign.
The timing couldn't be worse for Rodri and Manchester City, who are already bracing themselves for the prospect of losing their influential midfielder at the end of his current contract. The door is said to be open for a return to Spain, with Real Madrid reportedly keen on signing him – but no official offer has been tabled. Meanwhile, new City boss Enzo Maresca is desperate to keep Rodri in the fold.
Rodri's response to his injury woes was characteristically inspiring: "For me, it's been a tough time. I just want the next generation to see my example and know that when you fall, you can always get back up. That's been my philosophy throughout my career – ups and downs, but always staying positive."
Manchester City's preparations for the new season are now set to be seriously impacted by Rodri's absence, forcing Maresca into a tricky midfield reshuffle without one of his most trusted players. The full extent of Rodri's layoff will only become clear once a definitive diagnosis is made and treatment plan agreed.