Rodri to Undergo Back Surgery; Maresca Dismisses Real Madrid Rumors

Manchester City midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri will undergo back surgery on Monday, newly appointed manager Enzo Maresca confirmed in his first press conference since replacing Pep Guardiola. The 30-year-old Spain captain, who was named the Golden Ball winner after leading his country to World Cup glory last week, has struggled with physical setbacks over the past two seasons. An anterior cruciate ligament injury kept him out for most of the 2024-25 campaign, and multiple issues last season further limited his availability. Despite returning to top form at the World Cup, Rodri now requires a procedure followed by a period of rest and recovery. "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," Maresca said. The Italian declined to give a timeline for the Ballon d'Or winner's return but played down speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Real Madrid. "Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that. I think it is normal, also because they won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri," Maresca added. Maresca, who left Chelsea in January after 18 months in charge, acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Guardiola, who won 20 trophies in ten years at the Etihad. The 46-year-old worked as Guardiola's assistant during the Treble-winning 2022-23 season. "I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years. It is a challenge to replace him," he said. City have had just three managers in 16 years, and Maresca said he is confident the club can continue its success. He hinted at a few more moves in the transfer window but would not comment on the futures of goalkeeper James Trafford, linked with a departure, or returning midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton. Maresca expects to have other absent players back in the squad three or four days before City face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16.