Rodri set to undergo back surgery

World Cup winner Rodri will have surgery on a back issue on Monday, new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed.

The 30-year-old Spain captain guided his country to World Cup glory last week and was named the Golden Ball winner as player of the tournament.

But the midfielder's last two seasons at club level were heavily disrupted - an anterior cruciate ligament injury leaving him sidelined for the majority of the 2024-25 campaign before several setbacks last season meant he was often unavailable.

The Ballon d'Or winner was back to his best at the World Cup but, speaking at his first news conference since being appointed City boss, Maresca said Rodri now needs surgery followed by recuperation.

"Now, [he has] surgery on Monday. Then he needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us," the Italian coach said.

Maresca did not elaborate on when Rodri might return though he did dismiss speculation around the Spaniard's future at Etihad Stadium following reports in the past week linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

"Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that," he said.

"I think it is normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup and because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player."

Of other players still to return, Maresca said he expected to have them in the squad three or four days before City face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August.

In his first news conference since succeeding Pep Guardiola last month, Maresca found himself fielding questions about the Catalan, who won 20 trophies in his 10 years at the club.

The 46-year-old knows only too well the tough act he has to follow having worked as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season.

"I want to say it is a privilege because it's the reason why the club decided to go for me, that is a privilege," he said.

"I have said many times, I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20-25 years. It is a challenge [to replace him]."

Maresca, who called time on his time at Chelsea in January after 18 months, acknowledged the challenge of arriving at a club who have had just three managers in 16 years.

"That is not normal and has not happened often," he said. "I am confident that we can continue to do a great job and continue to do the job that has been done in the last 14, 15 years since Roberto Mancini was here.

"I know the organisation quite well and the people inside the club from years ago. The structure understands to give time for everything.

"Since Manchester City contacted me, I had no doubt about joining this fantastic club."

Maresca hinted that there were "a few things to do" in the transfer window but would not be drawn on the futures of players including goalkeeper James Trafford, who has been linked with a move away from the club, and returning midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton but is back in training with City.