Manchester City midfielder Rodri will undergo back surgery next week, coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
Rodri, who sustained an ACL injury in 2024, endured an injury-disrupted campaign last season before winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain.
Maresca did not say how long it would take for him to recover from his latest setback, but confirmed he wanted the former Ballon d’Or winner to stay at the club amid speculation about his future.
“Around a big player, there is always speculation, so I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal also because they won the World Cup. He was one of the best players, and I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player,” Maresca said.
“But now (he has) surgery on, I think Monday, and he needs a holiday. He needs to rest, he needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us,” he added.
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Maresca was speaking at his unveiling as City coach after iconic former manager Pep Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season.
The Italian, who has previously been part of Guardiola’s coaching staff, said he felt like he was back home after spells at Leicester and Chelsea and embraced the challenge of following in the steps of one of the greatest managers of all time.
“First of all, I want to say that it’s a privilege because the reason why the club decided to go for me, that means that for me it’s a privilege. I said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years, but again, it’s a challenge. It’s nice. It’s a privilege,” he said.
Published on Jul 24, 2026
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