The club released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, according to City Xtra, explaining that the Spanish midfielder had been dealing with discomfort for a while before deciding to have the issue treated. He is now set to begin a period of rehabilitation.

The timing is notable. Rodri has just returned from a triumphant summer with Spain, who lifted the FIFA World Cup in North America after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.

He captained the side throughout the tournament, adding another major honour to a collection that already includes the Ballon d’Or.

City’s message to supporters was simple and warm. The club wished him a swift recovery and promised further updates as his rehabilitation progresses.

New head coach Maresca addresses Rodri’s situation

The surgery comes at a sensitive moment for City. Rodri is entering the final year of his current contract, and speculation about his future has been building for weeks.

Real Madrid are widely reported to be increasingly confident of landing him this summer, even as City continue to hold a lucrative new deal open for him.

Enzo Maresca, who has taken over as Manchester City’s head coach following Pep Guardiola’s departure this summer, was asked about Rodri’s situation during his first press conference in the role.

He played down the noise around his midfielder, pointing out that speculation is common around a player of that stature, especially fresh off a World Cup win.

Maresca added that most managers would want a player like Rodri in their squad. On the medical side, he confirmed the operation had gone ahead and stressed that his priority now is for Rodri to rest and recover properly before returning to the group.

Rodri is expected to be given a longer break than most of his teammates, given how deep he went into the World Cup with Spain.

Maresca has said the returning international players, likely including several of City’s English contingent and star striker Erling Haaland, will report back in the week before the FA Community Shield clash with Arsenal on 16 August.

According to Manchester Evening News, the back issue should only sideline Rodri for a matter of weeks, with a return to full training possible by late August.

Real Madrid pushing ahead with transfer plans

Off the pitch, the transfer saga shows little sign of cooling down. City Xtra reports that Real Madrid remain determined to complete a deal for Rodri this summer, with the Spanish giants said to be lining up his arrival once they finalise the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

For City, the situation presents a difficult balancing act. The club clearly wants to keep hold of one of the best midfielders in the world, and the offer of a new contract remains on the table.

But there has been no clear signal from Rodri’s camp that he is ready to commit his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri has been a central figure in City’s success over recent seasons, and his partnership with the club’s evolving midfield has been a key part of their identity under both Guardiola and now Maresca.

Losing him would represent a significant blow, not just in terms of quality on the pitch but also leadership in the dressing room.