Manchester City star Rodri sidelined for 'short period' after undergoing back surgery as Real Madrid transfer links rumble on

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be out for ”a short period of rehabilitation” after undergoing minor back surgery. The Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday that the 30-year-old had undergone a ”successful” operation, adding that he had ”been feeling discomfort for some time”.

'He controls everything' - Cucurella heaps praise on Golden Ball winner Rodri

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New manager Enzo Maresca said during his first press conference last Friday that Rodri "needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us".

City have not given an expected date for his return, but their first competitive fixture of the season is on August 16, when they will face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

They will then begin their Premier League campaign a week later when they welcome Bournemouth to Etihad Stadium, before a trip to Crystal Palace on August 28.

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Maresca was questioned about Rodri amid the rampant ongoing speculation that the midfielder could be heading to Real Madrid this summer.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu after captaining his country to World Cup glory this summer, and winning the Golden Ball in the process.

"First of all, I have to say that around big players there are always speculations, so I am not worried about that,” Maresca said.

”I think it is normal, also because they won the World Cup, because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player.”

Rodri won the Ballon d’Or in 2024 after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain, but his subsequent two seasons have been plagued by injuries.

He was ruled out for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, while he was sidelined last term with hamstring and groin issues.

City lost out on the league title in both of those seasons, firstly to Liverpool and then Arsenal.

Gvardiol signs five-year extension

As doubts over Rodri’s future linger, City have been boosted by Josko Gvardiol signing a new five-year contract to keep him at the club until 2031.

The 24-year-old defender arrived at the Etihad from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 and has made 122 appearances for City since, scoring 13 goals in that time.

City won the Premier League during his first campaign at the club, while the Croatia international enjoyed FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory last season.

Highlights: Gvardiol scores brace as Man City beat Fulham to take control of title race

Video credit: TNT Sports

"As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away that it was what I wanted," Gvardiol said.

"The fans have been unbelievable with me from day one and the club provides absolutely everything for its players.

"It is the best club in the world to be at. I have felt so much love and respect during my three years here, and I don't take that for granted.

"The players we have here are amazing. This is a world-class squad that is young and full of potential. I truly believe we will have a lot of success in the coming years."

Director of football Hugo Viana added: "He epitomises what we want in our defenders. He can play in multiple positions, he is quick and strong, and when he attacks he does it superbly."

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