With the Premier League season less than a month away, Manchester City look to have been dealt a major blow on the injury front over midfielder Rodri.
The World Cup winner, who was awarded the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament, has reportedly suffered a back injury whilst away with his country, Spain, this summer.
It’s claimed the 30-year-old could have to undergo surgery to resolve the problem and that is likely to mean an extended spell on the sidelines.
Maresca faces midfield setback
Having won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Rodri has struggled with several injury problems and has made just 24 league appearances over the last two seasons.
The City star was hit by an ACL injury in September 2024, before being impacted by hamstring and groin problems last term.
After an impressive tournament with Spain, hopes were high that the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid ace would play a big role in City’s bid to reclaim the Premier League title, for which they are priced at 11/4.
This latest injury setback will come as a major blow to new boss Enzo Maresca, who would have been eyeing a midfield partnership of Rodri and Elliott Anderson.
Although the length of the absence has yet to be confirmed, there are fears that the man from Madrid could be sidelined for several months if he does require an operation.
It’s also worth noting that Rodri is due to see his City contract expire in June 2027 and there have already been links to a possible move back to La Liga.
City hand could be forced in the transfer market
Although they have already spent £116million on bringing in England international Anderson from Nottingham Forest, this injury blow could see the City hierarchy move in the transfer market again.
Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is one player who has been linked with a summer move to City, with reports claiming a £75million bid could be in the offing for the Morocco international.
Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is another midfielder who could be of interest, with suggestions that the Frenchman is keen on a fresh start having missed out on a place at the World Cup.
Mateo Kovacic was one midfielder who was expected to move on from the Etihad this summer, but that may also be put in doubt now following this latest setback.
City’s campaign gets underway with the Community Shield clash with Arsenal at the Principality Stadium on Sunday 16th August (Match Betting - Arsenal 29/20, Draw 13/5, City 31/20).
They then play host to Bournemouth in their opening Premier League fixture on Sunday August 23, with Maresca’s men 4/9 to start their season with a victory.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
