Manchester City will have to begin the 2026/27 campaign without one of their most influential players. According to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is scheduled to undergo surgery immediately after the World Cup, ruling him out for the opening weeks of the new season and handing new manager Enzo Maresca an early headache.

Rodri Delays Surgery Until Spain's World Cup Ends

Despite carrying an injury, the Spanish midfielder has continued to feature throughout the World Cup and remains available for Luis de la Fuente as Spain prepare for the knockout rounds.

The operation has been postponed until after the tournament, allowing Rodri to stay with the national team. Neither Manchester City nor Spain have disclosed the exact nature of the injury, leaving it unclear whether it is a fresh problem or a recurrence of an earlier issue.

Maresca Faces Immediate Selection Problems

City's new head coach was only recently confirmed as Pep Guardiola's successor, but he is already preparing for life without arguably the club's most important midfielder.

British reports suggest Rodri will definitely miss the Community Shield against Arsenal, as well as City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth. If Spain make a deep World Cup run, however, the surgery will be delayed even further, extending his recovery period into the early part of the campaign.

That means Maresca is likely to start his first competitive matches without the player who has been the heartbeat of City's midfield for years.

Injury Troubles Continue

Fitness issues have repeatedly interrupted Rodri's career over the past two seasons. Since City's Champions League triumph, the Spaniard has spent significant periods either sidelined through injury or being carefully managed after returning to action.

Across all competitions, he has already missed 84 matches, highlighting how difficult the last two years have been despite his importance whenever available.

Contract Situation Still Unresolved

Questions also remain over Rodri's long-term future at the Etihad.

The 30-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract. Manchester City have offered him an extension, but negotiations have reportedly stalled, while Real Madrid continue to be linked with a move for the Spain international.

Signed from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for around €70 million, Rodri has become one of the defining players of City's golden era. He has made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists, while playing a crucial role in the club's domestic and European success.