Midfielder signals readiness for last-16 World Cup tie
Rodri has offered a timely fitness signal before Spain's World Cup last-16 meeting with Portugal, according to reports.
The Times of India stated that the Manchester City midfielder has eased immediate concerns over his condition and indicated he feels ready for the knockout fixture.
The update carries weight at the Etihad. talkSPORT reported last week that Enzo Maresca could be without the 30-year-old at the start of the 2026/27 season if surgery is required after Spain's campaign.
ESPN reported that Rodri has also backed Spain's midfield ahead of the Portugal tie, while acknowledging their opponents have "one of the best generations" in their history.
The game in Arlington, Texas, was described by Reuters as a high-stakes rematch after Portugal beat Spain on penalties in last year's Nations League final.
For Maresca, the situation is delicate rather than dramatic. A fit Rodri strengthens Spain immediately, but every extra knockout minute tightens City's pre-season margin. If Spain go deep, the new manager may have to build early midfield work around managed reintegration rather than full preparation.
Rodri's message calms the short-term injury noise. It also leaves City with a bigger planning question: how quickly can their midfield anchor return from a demanding summer and still lead the first tactical phase of the post-Pep Guardiola era?