Rodri Set for Surgery as Enzo Maresca Dismisses Real Madrid Rumours

Fresh off captaining Spain to World Cup glory and capturing the Golden Ball, Rodri is facing another period on the sidelines. New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed in his first press conference that the 30-year-old midfielder is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday before taking a mandatory period of rest and recovery.

Rodri's physical struggles at the club level have been persistent. After missing the majority of the 2024-25 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, his availability remained sporadic throughout last term. While he proved his elite standing on the global stage this summer, City must now navigate the start of their campaign without their key engine in midfield.

Transfer Talk Brushed Aside

Despite recent media reports linking the Ballon d'Or winner with a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, Maresca brushed off concerns regarding the player's immediate future. The Italian manager stated he is entirely unfazed by the rumors, noting that speculation naturally surrounds world-class players coming off major international tournament wins.

With City preparing to face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August, Maresca expects his remaining late-returning international players to rejoin the group just a few days prior to the fixture.

Stepping Into Guardiola's Shoes

Facing the press for the first time since replacing Pep Guardiola—who won 20 trophies over a decade at the helm—Maresca described taking the role as a privilege. Having previously served as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign, the former Chelsea boss expressed confidence in the club's stable hierarchy and structure.

While hinting that City have work remaining in the transfer window, Maresca remained guarded on specific player movements, declining to detail the futures of goalkeeper James Trafford or returning winger Jack Grealish following his loan stint at Everton.