The 30-year-old captained Spain to victory over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final and was named the tournament's Golden Ball winner after an outstanding campaign. However, he now needs an operation to resolve a lingering back problem.

Rodri had already been expected to miss the Community Shield against Arsenal following his World Cup commitments, but the surgery also puts his involvement in City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 23 in doubt.

Manchester City's early league schedule also includes matches against Crystal Palace, Coventry, Manchester United and Sunderland before the first international break of the season.

The latest setback comes after two difficult years with injuries. Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September 2024, restricting him to just three Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 campaign. Further fitness problems last season meant he featured only 21 times in the league.

Despite his injury struggles, Rodri returned to lead Spain to World Cup success and played a key role throughout the tournament.

His future at Manchester City has also attracted attention. Rodri has one year remaining on his current contract and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. However, new City manager Enzo Maresca wants the midfielder to stay, with the club keen to agree a new long-term contract.

Speaking after Spain's World Cup triumph, Rodri reflected on the difficult road back from injury and said he hopes his story will inspire others.

"We're a bit shocked right now, even myself," Rodri told Fox Sports. "I cannot express with words. I think now we're like in a cloud but, for me, it's been a very tough time."

He added: "I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again. This is my philosophy for my entire life.

"Of course, sometimes things go well, things go wrong, but always the positiveness."

Rodri also revealed the message he gave his Spain team-mates before the final.

"I said to the lads before the game, 'We have to go for the game'. We need to face them, we have to look to their eyes. We want this game.

"Then life gives you the World Cup or not, but we were brave and I was brave in that moment I was down, so I want to thank all the people that helped me.

"But I want to thank myself, to be honest, in those moments."

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