Early Setback for New Manager
Manchester City are set to begin the 2026-27 season under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who was recently confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor. Maresca, who previously managed Chelsea, signed a three-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. However, the Italian manager faces an early challenge as key midfielder Rodri is expected to miss the start of the upcoming Premier League season due to injury concerns.
Rodri is reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery for an unspecified injury following Spain’s participation in the World Cup 2026. This development could leave Manchester City without their influential midfielder for the initial phase of the new campaign. The injury, described as a ‘mystery injury’ in reports, is not expected to be severe, but it will necessitate a period of rehabilitation, delaying his return to play.
The timing of the surgery depends on Spain’s progress in the World Cup. The reigning European champions topped their group and are scheduled to face Austria in the round of 32. If Spain advances further in the tournament, Rodri’s surgery might not occur until after July 19 at the latest. This timeline suggests a potential absence for Manchester City into September.
Impact on the Season Start
Should Rodri be sidelined for the initial month of the new season, Manchester City would miss his presence in several important fixtures. The team has a busy August schedule, including six matches and potential pre-season games against clubs like Inter Milan, K-League All-Stars, and Atletico Madrid. The official season opener, the Community Shield against Arsenal, is scheduled for August 16 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Manchester City is also set to kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth a week after the Community Shield. Their August fixtures conclude with an away match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. In September, the team is scheduled to host newly-promoted Coventry City before the first league phase game of the Champions League and the first Manchester derby of the season at Old Trafford, which is currently slated for the weekend of September 12.
The best-case scenario for Manchester City and Maresca would see Rodri available for selection by the time of the Manchester derby. However, if he is ruled out for the entire first month, he would miss the Community Shield and at least two Premier League matches.
Midfield Reinforcement and Contract Status
Rodri’s injury history has been a recurring concern over the past two seasons. He suffered an ACL injury during the 2024-25 season, which contributed to subsequent fitness issues. The 2025-26 season also saw him miss a significant portion of the first half before returning to action, only to face further injury setbacks that caused him to miss crucial matches towards the end of the campaign.
Given Rodri’s anticipated absence, Manchester City remains active in the transfer market for additional midfield options. The club is reportedly close to confirming the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, which could help fill the void. However, the team is still seeking another midfielder to bolster squad depth and cover for Rodri’s unavailability. Midfielders such as Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille are reportedly among potential targets.
Beyond the immediate injury, Rodri’s long-term future at Manchester City is also a topic of discussion. He has approximately 12 months remaining on his current contract. While a contract offer from the club is reportedly on the table, active talks are not believed to be ongoing. From January 1, he would be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs if a renewal is not reached, potentially leading to a free transfer next summer. Rodri joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and has made nearly 300 appearances for the club.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner played a pivotal role in City’s treble-winning 2023-24 season, becoming only the second Spanish player to receive the award. Following Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, where he succeeded Alvaro Morata as captain, Rodri has been a prominent figure in the ongoing World Cup 2026, playing almost every minute as Spain topped their group with victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The Premier League season is scheduled to begin on August 21.
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Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”