Club confirms procedure
Manchester City have confirmed that Rodri underwent successful minor back surgery this week. The club issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon detailing the procedure, which addressed discomfort the midfielder had been managing for some time. He will now begin a short period of rehabilitation.
Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery, the statement added, with further updates promised as his recovery progresses.
Contract situation unresolved
Rodri is entering the final 12 months of his existing City contract. A lucrative renewal offer remains on the table in the North-West of England, though there have been no indications that the World Cup winner is willing to sign it.
Enzo Maresca, speaking during his first press conference as City manager, addressed the speculation. First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation, he said. I'm not worried about that, it's normal, also because they won the World Cup he is one of the best players.
I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he's a top player.
Maresca added: But now, surgery on Monday, and then he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us.
Recovery timeline
Rodri featured throughout Spain's World Cup campaign, culminating in their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final. As a result, he will be granted the longest holiday period of any City player who competed at the tournament.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the back issue is only expected to keep him out for a few weeks, with a potential return in late August. The remaining World Cup stars are due back in the week leading up to the FA Community Shield match against Arsenal on Sunday 16 August.