Manchester City midfielder Rodri faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a back injury that may require surgery, in a fresh blow following two seasons already disrupted by fitness problems. The 30-year-old had returned to top form for Spain at the World Cup, captaining the side to a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final and being named the tournament's best player, but is now set to miss the start of Manchester City's season.

Rodri's recent injury record includes rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Arsenal in September 2024, which sidelined him for most of that campaign, followed by a further injury at the Fifa Club World Cup in July 2025 and hamstring and groin problems last season that limited him to just 17 Premier League starts. The new setback comes with his City future uncertain, as his contract expires next June and he is reportedly keen on a return to Spain, potentially with Real Madrid, though new manager Enzo Maresca hopes to retain him.