Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that midfielder Rodri will undergo surgery on a back problem this Monday.
The 30-year-old Spain captain enjoyed a remarkable summer, guiding his country to World Cup glory before being named the Golden Ball winner as player of the tournament.
Rodri’s return to form at the World Cup was a welcome sight after two disrupted seasons at club level that severely limited his contributions to City’s campaigns.
An anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for the majority of the 2024-25 campaign, and further setbacks last season meant the Ballon d’Or winner was frequently unavailable for selection.
Maresca, speaking at his first news conference since being appointed Manchester City head coach, outlined the immediate plan for the influential Spaniard.
“Now, [he has] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us,” the Italian coach said.
The City boss declined to put a specific timeframe on Rodri’s return but was keen to shut down speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Real Madrid.
“Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that,” he said, adding that every manager in the world would want a player of Rodri’s quality in their squad.
“I think it is normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player.”
Maresca also revealed that other players yet to return from their summer breaks are expected to be available three or four days before City’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Arsenal on Sunday, 16 August.
The 46-year-old, who left Chelsea in January after 18 months in charge, described succeeding Pep Guardiola as both a privilege and a significant challenge.
Guardiola won 20 trophies across his 10 years at the club, and Maresca is well aware of the standard he must maintain, having served as his assistant during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season.
“I want to say it is a privilege because it’s the reason why the club decided to go for me, that is a privilege,” he said, describing the Catalan as the best coach in the world over the last 20 to 25 years.
“I am confident that we can continue to do a great job and continue to do the job that has been done in the last 14, 15 years since Roberto Mancini was here,” Maresca added.
The new City boss also hinted at activity in the transfer window, saying there were “a few things to do,” though he declined to be drawn on the futures of goalkeeper James Trafford or returning midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton and is now back in training.
