Blow for Manchester City with Rodri out for extended period due to back injury
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.
In short
- Rodri may need back surgery, ruling him out for an extended period
- Follows two injury-hit seasons including an ACL rupture
- His City contract expires next June amid Real Madrid transfer talk
Explained simply
Rodri is Manchester City's 30-year-old midfielder and one of the world's best players in his position. He captained Spain to victory at the World Cup earlier this year and was named the tournament's best player, establishing himself as a key figure for both club and country.
The midfielder suffered a serious knee injury in September 2024 that kept him out for months. Since then he has experienced additional setbacks, including a problem at a tournament in July 2025 and hamstring and groin issues more recently, limiting him to just 17 matches last season.
Rodri's latest back injury, which may require surgery, arrives amid uncertainty about his future at Manchester City. His contract expires in June, and he has reportedly expressed interest in returning to Spain, potentially to join Real Madrid, meaning his situation at the club is already unsettled.
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