Manchester: World Cup winner Rodri will have surgery on a back issue on Monday, new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
According to Ghana Web, the 30-year-old Spain captain guided his country to World Cup glory last week and was named the Golden Ball winner as the player of the tournament. However, Rodri's recent club seasons have been fraught with injuries, most notably an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 campaign, followed by several setbacks last season that limited his availability.
The Ballon d'Or winner showcased his skills at the World Cup, but Maresca, in his first news conference since his appointment as City boss, stated that Rodri now requires surgery and subsequent recuperation. "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.
Maresca did not specify a timeline for Rodri's return but dismissed rumors linking the Spaniard with a move to Real Madrid. "Around big players there are always speculations, so I am not worried about that," he said, emphasizing Rodri's importance to the team.
Maresca also addressed other players' returns, expecting them back in the squad a few days before facing Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16.
In his inaugural press conference since succeeding Pep Guardiola last month, Maresca spoke about the privilege of following in the footsteps of the Catalan, who won 20 trophies during his decade at the club. Maresca, who was Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season, acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in continuing the club's successful legacy.
"I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years. It is a challenge [to replace him]," Maresca remarked. He also noted the rarity of Manchester City having only three managers in 16 years, highlighting the importance of continuity and understanding within the club's structure.
Maresca, who left Chelsea in January after an 18-month stint, expressed no hesitation in joining Manchester City, describing it as a "fantastic club." He hinted at potential activity in the transfer window but refrained from commenting on the futures of players like goalkeeper James Trafford and returning midfielder Jack Grealish.