Man City hit with brutal Rodri blow as star set to undergo surgery days after World Cup win

View 2 Images

Manchester City are set to be without World Cup winner Rodri for some time with the midfielder set to undergo surgery for a back issue. The Spanish midfielder enjoyed a brilliant tournament, having started every game as Spain lifted the trophy against Argentina.

But it appears that he has paid the price of that. According to The Athletic , he will undergo surgery for a back problem and a prognosis for his return is not known.

It is the latest blow that the 30-year-old has had to endure across what have been a few injury-hit campaigns. After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, he made just three Premier League appearances across the 2024/25 campaign due to a serious knee injury.

The former Atletico Madrid then made just 17 starts last season as he struggled to recapture his form. Speaking after winning the World Cup, he claimed that his injury woes eventually become his personal motivation.

"We're a bit shocked right now, even myself," Rodri told Fox Sports. "I cannot express with words. I think now we're like in a cloud but, for me, it's been a very tough time.

"I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life.

"Of course, sometimes things go well, things go wrong, but always the positiveness. I said to the lads before the game, 'we have to go for the game.' We need to face them, we have to look to their eyes. We want this game.

"And then life gives you the World Cup or not, but we were brave and I was brave in that moment I was down, so I want to thank all the people that helped me. But I want to thank myself, to be honest, in those moments."

View 2 Images

Rodri’s absence will now leave his City future up in the air. The Spanish midfielder has just a year remaining on his contract with the club and has regularly been linked with Real Madrid .

Rodri has previously claimed that he wants to return to Spain before the end of his career but it is suggested that Los Blancos are not interested in a move as it stands. When it comes to City, they have already had considerable movement in midfield.

Bernardo Silva has already departed at the end of his contract, with Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez both possible exits before the end of the transfer window. City have already completed a £116m deal to sign England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Content cannot be displayed without consent