Manchester City have confirmed Rodri has undergone successful back surgery.

Rodri won the Golden Ball at the World Cup as he helped Spain lift the trophy for the second time, but returned with an issue that required a minor operation.

A statement from City read in part: “The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation.”

The update from City comes as Rodri continues to be linked with a move back to his homeland to join Real Madrid.

Doubts over Rodri’s future

Rodri’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the coming season.

A contract offer from City has reportedly been on the table for some time and, while he is yet to accept, there is said to be internal optimism a deal will be done.

However, interest from Madrid could ruin City’s plans to keep the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner at the club.

Having previously indicated they were not interested in signing the 30-year-old, Madrid appear to have changed that stance and City are now braced for a bid from Los Blancos.

What has Maresca said about the situation?

Speaking in his first press conference as City boss last Friday, Enzo Maresca expressed calm over the speculation surrounding Rodri.

“First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation,” Maresca said.

“So I’m not worried about that, it’s normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup – he is one of the best players. 

“I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he’s a top player. 

“But now, surgery [on a back problem] on Monday, and then he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us.”