Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing back surgery, the club confirmed.

City announced that the Spain international had been experiencing discomfort for some time before a procedure was carried out to address the problem. No return date has been confirmed, with the club describing his absence as a "short period of rehabilitation."

New City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the situation at a press conference on Friday, saying Rodri "needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us."

Busy start awaits City

The timing poses a question for City's preseason preparations. They face Arsenal in the Community Shield on 16 August before their Premier League campaign kicks off against Bournemouth on 23 August.

Real Madrid links and contract situation

Rodri has one year remaining on his contract at City, and speculation over his future has intensified in recent weeks. He has been widely linked with a move to Real Madrid following his starring role in guiding Spain to World Cup glory this month, an achievement that earned him the player of the tournament award.

The 28-year-old has endured a difficult run with injuries in recent seasons. He missed the majority of City's 2024-25 campaign after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and this latest setback marks a further disruption to his time at the Etihad Stadium.