LONDON: Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri is expected to be sidelined for a short period after undergoing minor back surgery, Manchester City said on Monday.
The Premier League club confirmed that the 30-year-old midfielder underwent the procedure successfully after experiencing prolonged discomfort.
“Manchester City can confirm that Rodri has successfully undergone minor surgery on his back.
“The midfielder has been experiencing discomfort for some time, but has now undergone procedures to address the issue and will begin a short recovery period,” City said in a statement.
Rodri was previously named player of the tournament after helping Spain lift the World Cup trophy in the United States earlier this month, but the latest injury has once again affected his fitness.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has faced several fitness issues since suffering a serious knee injury almost two years ago.
The former Atletico Madrid player still has a year left on his contract with City, but speculation over his future has intensified after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final.
City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, previously insisted he was not worried about the situation and was confident that Rodri would return to strengthen the team after fully recovering.
City are scheduled to face Arsenal in their season opener in the Community Shield on August 16 before starting their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth the following week.