Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to undergo minor back surgery following his starring role at the FIFA World Cup 2026, raising doubts over his availability for the club's opening Premier League fixture of the new season.

The 30-year-old captained Spain to glory in the World Cup final on Sunday, guiding his side to victory over Argentina and claiming the Golden Ball as the tournament's outstanding player. However, a back complaint that requires surgical attention has now emerged, threatening to sideline him at the start of the domestic campaign.

Community Shield and early fixtures in doubt

Rodri had already been ruled out of Manchester City's Community Shield clash with Arsenal — an expected outcome given the demands of the World Cup — but the surgery now places his fitness for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday August 23 in serious doubt.

Should he miss that fixture, City would also be without him for potentially difficult assignments: an away trip to Crystal Palace, a home game against Coventry, a visit to Manchester United, and a home encounter with Sunderland — all before the September international break.

Another setback for an injury-hit star

The news adds yet another chapter to a difficult run of misfortune for Rodri. An anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in September 2024 restricted him to just three Premier League appearances throughout the 2024/25 campaign, while further physical problems held him to 21 top-flight outings last season. Despite those trials, he earned the 2024 Ballon d'Or and has now added a World Cup winner's medal to his collection.

Speaking after Spain's triumph, Rodri reflected on the personal resolve that carried him through two gruelling years on the sidelines.