New Delhi, July 23: Rodri, the captain who led Spain to victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026, is set to face another lengthy absence from football due to injury. The midfielder is struggling with a back injury and is reportedly scheduled for surgery.
This injury poses challenges for both Spain and his club, Manchester City. Rodri’s performance during the World Cup was exceptional, playing a crucial role in Spain’s championship win. His contributions in midfield earned him the tournament’s Best Player award, and he successfully claimed the prestigious Golden Ball.
However, Rodri has been plagued by injuries in recent times. He suffered a severe ligament injury in September 2024, which sidelined him for nearly the entire 2024-25 season. Subsequent issues with his hamstring and groin further complicated his return to the field. Last season, he managed to play only 33 matches across all competitions, starting just 17 in the Premier League.
Even after returning to action, Rodri has not regained his previous form. Manchester City’s then-coach Pep Guardiola acknowledged that he may have been rushed back into play, preventing a full recovery. Rodri’s new injury comes at a critical time, with only one year left on his contract with Manchester City. Reports suggest that the 30-year-old is interested in returning to his former club, Real Madrid, intensifying discussions following the World Cup victory.
In light of Rodri’s injury, Manchester City has sought to bolster its midfield this summer. The club has signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a significant fee to mitigate the impact of Rodri’s absence. Rodri’s future could also influence the prospects of Real Madrid’s other midfielders, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom are reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
According to reports, Manchester United has been monitoring Tchouameni for some time, but discussions have stalled due to his high transfer fee and salary demands. Meanwhile, Camavinga is also on the radar of Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. The pressing question remains whether Real Madrid will allow these players to leave the club.
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