Rodri is set to spend more time away from football because of a back injury.
Reports say the Manchester City midfielder will undergo surgery. The club has not yet confirmed when he could return.
Rodri captained Spain to the FIFA World Cup 2026 title earlier this summer. He also won the Golden Ball after playing a key role in Spain’s success.
The 30 year old started all eight matches in the tournament. His performance marked a strong return after two difficult seasons with injuries.
However, his latest problem has created fresh concern for both Spain and Manchester City.
Rodri has only one year left on his City contract. Talks over a new deal are expected after the World Cup, according to The Athletic. The midfielder has not yet made a clear decision about his future.
Rodri has often been linked with a return to Spain. Real Madrid have been mentioned as a possible destination.
He has also said in the past that he would like to play in Spain again before ending his career. However, reports say Real Madrid are not planning to sign him.
Rodri has faced several injury problems since damaging his ACL in September 2024. That injury kept him out for almost the entire 2024 to 2025 season.
He later suffered hamstring and groin problems during his comeback. Those setbacks limited him to 33 appearances in all competitions last season.
He started only 17 Premier League matches. Before his injury problems, Rodri was one of Manchester City’s most important players. He played a major role in City’s treble winning season in 2022 to 2023.
Rodri scored the winning goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final. City won the match 1 to 0.
He also made 56 appearances that season as City won the Premier League and FA Cup. Manchester City have added Elliot Anderson to their midfield this summer.
The club signed him from Nottingham Forest for 116 million pounds. His arrival could help City manage Rodri’s absence.
However, the futures of Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez remain uncertain. Bernardo Silva has already left the club after his contract ended.
Manchester City will start their 2026 to 2027 Premier League season at home against Bournemouth on August 23.
Rodri could miss the start of the new campaign as he begins another recovery process.
