Manchester City confirmed midfielder Rodri will undergo back surgery next week, coach Enzo Maresca said, removing an influential midfield option as Maresca begins his first spell as head coach following Pep Guardiola’s exit. Maresca urged patience, insisted he wants Rodri to remain at the club and framed the operation as a necessary step before recovery and reintegration into City’s plans.
Rodri to have back surgery, City brace for midfield absence
Rodri will undergo back surgery next week, Enzo Maresca confirmed, dealing Manchester City a timely blow as the club transitions to new leadership. The Spain international missed significant playing time during an injury-disrupted campaign and now faces a rehabilitation period after the operation.
“Around a big player, there are always speculation so I’m not worried about that,” Maresca said, defending Rodri amid transfer talk. “But now (he has) surgery on, I think Monday, and he needs holiday. He needs to rest, he needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”
Immediate impact on selection and season planning
Losing Rodri to surgery removes a central figure in City’s control-oriented midfield and forces Maresca to adjust his rotation and tactical priorities early on. Expect deeper minutes for established deputies and potential tactical tweaks to preserve defensive balance while maintaining City’s ball dominance.
This absence also places a premium on City’s midfield depth in Premier League and Champions League fixtures. How Maresca manages minutes and roles for players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and younger midfield options will shape City’s early-season form.
Maresca’s message: keep Rodri, maintain continuity
New head coach Enzo Maresca used the announcement to tamp down transfer speculation, stressing he wants Rodri to remain a key figure at the club. Maresca framed continuity with the previous coaching philosophy as a reason the board backed him to succeed Pep Guardiola.
“We always try to be aggressive on the ball, control the game, try to be the ones that impose our idea,” Maresca said. “And try to do the most important thing in football, that is to win games at the end.”
Why this matters for City's project
Maresca’s appointment signals the club’s desire for tactical continuity rather than a radical reset. Keeping Rodri — once fit — preserves the blueprint for controlling possession and dictating matches. His absence, however, is a test of squad construction: can City sustain its standards without their midfield metronome?
If Maresca can extract similar intensity and positional discipline from deputies, City should weather the period. If not, opponents may find more room to disrupt City’s rhythm in key fixtures.
Context: following Guardiola’s era
Maresca arrives after an era of unprecedented success under Pep Guardiola, and he has already acknowledged the challenge and privilege of stepping into that role. His familiarity with City — previous stints in the academy and as an assistant — gives him an operational edge as he navigates squad issues such as Rodri’s recovery.
Next steps and timeline
Maresca confirmed the surgery is scheduled for Monday and emphasized recovery and rest as immediate priorities.
Maresca praises Guardiola but warns of the task, Rodri out for surgery, Grealish and Trafford linked
The club has not provided a public timeline for Rodri’s return; medical updates will determine how quickly he reintegrates into training and competitive action.
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