Manchester City’s new coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that the Spanish national team midfielder will undergo back surgery on Monday.
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“He will undergo surgery on Monday. Then he will need a vacation and time to recover so he can return to action,” said the Italian specialist, who took over from Pep Guardiola.
He did not reveal how long Rodri would be out of action, nor did he elaborate on the 30-year-old midfielder’s future – Real Madrid has been circling him for some time.
“I think it’s normal for such great players to be surrounded by speculation, because Spain won the World Cup, and he was one of the best players. All coaches would want to have Rodri, because he is a top-level player,” said E. Maresca.
The Spaniard, who received the prestigious “Golden Ball” award in 2024, had been plagued by injuries in recent years, but returned to his best form during the World Cup, where Spain remained undefeated and reclaimed the title of world champions.
Rodri was named the best player of the tournament – he received the same award two years ago when Spain became European champions. Symbolically, even then the tournament ended painfully for the midfielder – he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and did not play for almost a year.
Manchester City will start the new season on August 16, when they will play against London “Arsenal” for the “Community Shield” trophy. The start of the “Premier” League is scheduled a week later.
