Manchester City face uncertainty over Rodri after the Spain captain’s planned back surgery, with only a year remaining on his contract and reports linking him with Real Madrid. New manager Enzo Maresca wants to retain the 30-year-old, whose recovery and future will be central to City’s wider squad rebuild following several senior departures.

Rodri returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury to captain Spain to World Cup victory and win the tournament’s Golden Ball, underlining his continued importance. Maresca’s positional, chess-like 3-2-2-3 system could suit Rodri’s ability to alternate between defensive midfield, the back line and advanced areas, while £116m signing Elliot Anderson and Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi may provide cover or long-term alternatives.