World Cup hero Rodri to undergo back surgery before Man City’s new season

Spain and Man City midfielder Rodri will need surgery and rest before returning for the club, new coach Maresca said.Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who lifted the World Cup with Spain last week and was named the tournament’s best player, will undergo back surgery next week, coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.Maresca, speaking at his own unveiling as Man City’s new manager on Friday, did not say how long it would take for Rodri to recover from his latest injury setback.The Spaniard sustained ACL damage in 2024 and endured an injury-disrupted campaign last season before leading Spain to their second World Cup title and earning the Golden Ball Award at the final on Sunday.City’s new Italian head coach, who took charge of the former English Premier League champions after the departure of their legendary, multiple title-winning boss Pep Guardiola, said he wanted the former Ballon d’Or winner to stay at the club amid speculation about his future.“Around a big player, there is always speculation, so I’m not worried about that,” Maresca said.“I think it’s normal also because they won the World Cup. He was one of the best players and I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player,” Maresca said. “But now [he has] surgery on, I think, Monday, and he needs a holiday. He needs to rest, he needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us.”The 46-year-old, who was previously part of Guardiola’s coaching staff, said he felt like he was back home after spells at Leicester and Chelsea and embraced the challenge of following in the steps of one of the greatest managers of all time.