Rodri has undergone minor back surgery in Madrid, with Manchester City saying the World Cup-winning captain will be fit for the start of the new season and does not require an extended rehabilitation.
ONE reports that the Spanish midfielder had been feeling discomfort in the area for some time before opting for the procedure. He was discharged the same day and has since begun his planned summer holiday.
"Rodri underwent a successful minor back surgery," the club said in a statement carried by ONE. "The midfielder had suffered from discomfort over a period of time, but has now undergone a procedure to resolve the issue and will begin a short recovery period."
The timing is delicate. British outlets including Sky Sports had reported over the past week that a back operation could rule Rodri out of City's Community Shield date with Arsenal and the early rounds of the Premier League, given the club had yet to confirm a firm return date at that stage. City's own messaging around this completed procedure is more upbeat, framing it as routine and pointing to a season-opener return.
Rodri arrives at pre-season as arguably the most decorated player in the world game right now. He captained Spain to the World Cup title this month, was named the tournament's outstanding player, and already holds the 2024 Ballon d'Or after a career under Pep Guardiola in which he has swept up Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup honours.
That profile has made the back issue a talking point well beyond injury news. Rodri has one year left on his City contract, expiring in June 2027, and Real Madrid have identified him as a priority target to rebuild their midfield. Barcelona also explored a move after Frenkie de Jong's injury, though Sport1 reports Paris Saint-Germain have already stepped back from the race after Luis Enrique concluded his existing midfield options were sufficient.
City are said to be working on a contract extension for Rodri while simultaneously bracing for the possibility he moves on, with reports suggesting the club has set a substantial asking price should a suitor come calling this summer.
For now, the immediate story is medical rather than commercial: a routine-sounding operation, a same-day discharge, and a club insisting its captain-in-waiting for club duties will be ready when the competitive season begins.
