Rodri Set for Back Surgery as Manchester City Welcomes New Coach Enzo Maresca

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is scheduled for back surgery next week, as confirmed by new coach Enzo Maresca. Maresca, who takes over after Pep Guardiola's departure, expressed his commitment to the club and the challenge of following in Guardiola's footsteps. Rodri's recovery timeline remains uncertain, but Maresca is optimistic about his return. This transition marks a significant moment for both the player and the club as they navigate the future together.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 24, 2026, 22:25 IST

Rodri's Upcoming Surgery

Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City, is scheduled to have back surgery next week, as confirmed by coach Enzo Maresca on Friday. The player previously dealt with an ACL injury in 2024, which hampered his performance last season, although he later celebrated a World Cup victory with Spain. While Maresca did not specify the expected recovery time for Rodri, he expressed a desire for the talented player to remain with the club amidst ongoing rumors regarding his future. 'Speculation is common around a player of his caliber, especially after winning the World Cup. He was among the top performers, and every manager would want him on their team,' Maresca stated. 'However, he will undergo surgery on Monday, and he needs time to rest and recuperate before returning to us.'

Enzo Maresca's Return to Manchester City

'Homecoming' For Enzo Maresca

Maresca made these comments during his introduction as the new coach of Manchester City, following the departure of the legendary Pep Guardiola at the end of the previous season. Having previously been part of Guardiola's coaching team, the Italian expressed that he feels a sense of returning home after his experiences at Leicester and Chelsea. He acknowledged the challenge of succeeding one of the most successful managers in football history, who led City to an impressive 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League title in 2023.

'I want to emphasize that it’s a privilege to be chosen by the club, which reflects their trust in me,' he remarked. 'I have often stated that Pep is likely the best coach in the world over the last two decades, but this is also a challenge that I welcome. It’s an honor.' At 46, Maresca is embarking on his third tenure at City, having served as an academy coach in the 2020-21 season and as Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-23, the year the team achieved a historic treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

'The club likely sees similarities in my coaching philosophy compared to the previous manager. We aim to be aggressive with the ball, control the game, and impose our style,' he added. 'Ultimately, our goal is to win matches, which is the essence of football.'