Manchester City Midfielder Rodri Undergoes Back Surgery, Can Return To Action In..

Published 28 July 2026 · sports

Manchester City Midfielder Rodri Undergoes Back Surgery, Can Return To Action In... Published By, Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 18:46 IST Rodri, FIFA World Cup

Manchester City Midfielder Rodri Undergoes Back Surgery, Can Return To Action In... Published By, Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 18:46 IST Rodri, FIFA World Cup 2026 Player of the Tournament, returns to Man City after back surgery, eyeing August comeback. Contract talks loom. Rapid Read Rodri led Spain to the FIFA World Cup title (Picture credit: AP) FIFA World Cup 2026’s Player of the Tournament, Rodri, has undergone back surgery and is all set for a return to football before the end of August, according to a report in The Athletic. Manchester City have confirmed the development. Rodri, 30, had planned to undergo the procedure after helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup this summer.

While Manchester City haven’t provided a recovery timeline, the report states he is expected to rejoin the team a few days before the Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16, alongside teammates who featured in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals or beyond. Earlier reports had suggested that Rodri was all set to undergo surgery on the injury, although no timeline had been confirmed for his return at the time. It follows a memorable summer for Rodri, who won the Golden Ball after guiding Spain to their first FIFA World Cup title since 2010, starting all eight games. Earlier reports also claimed that Real Madrid were working on a deal to sign the midfielder and were confident of reaching an agreement.

Rodri is yet to commit to a new contract with Manchester City, with his current deal all set to expire next summer. His time at the club has also been hampered by injuries since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in September 2024. The ACL injury sidelined Rodri for almost the entire 2024-25 season. Last term, he started only 17 of Manchester City’s 38 Premier League games after being hampered by recurring hamstring and groin problems. Rodri was instrumental in Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning team in 2022-23, making 56 appearances as Manchester City lifted the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Manchester City strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million deal.

But earlier reports suggested Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez could leave the club, while Bernardo Silva departed after the expiry of his contract. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: July 28, 2026, 18:46 IST News sports football Manchester City Midfielder Rodri Undergoes Back Surgery, Can Return To Action In... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...