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Football

Rodri set for back surgery as Maresca downplays Real Madrid links

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says Rodri will have surgery on a back issue, with no return date given, while treating transfer talk around the midfielder as routine speculation.

Editorial2026-07-24T18:13:24.812402Z1 min read

Rodri set for back surgery as Maresca downplays Real Madrid links — Image credit: bbc.co.uk

Rodri is due to undergo surgery on a back problem on Monday, according to Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca. The club have not given a firm timetable for his return, with Maresca saying the midfielder will need rest and recovery before rejoining the squad.

The update comes shortly after Rodri captained Spain to World Cup success and won the tournament's Golden Ball. His club availability has already been affected across the past two seasons, including a serious knee injury in 2024-25 and further setbacks last season.

Maresca also addressed reports linking Rodri with Real Madrid, framing the attention as expected for an elite player after a major international triumph. He did not suggest that City are preparing for the midfielder to leave.

The news formed part of Maresca's first media appearance since taking over from Pep Guardiola. He acknowledged the scale of replacing a manager who delivered sustained success at City, while also indicating that some transfer-window business may still be unresolved.

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