Maresca promises Rodri’s return as Real Madrid keep watch

Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca announced on his first press conference that Spaniard Rodri will rejoin the squad after back surgery and a short holiday, just in time for the FA Community Shield against Arsenal on 16 August, while Real Madrid continue to monitor the midfielder.\n\nMaresca, 46, took over the role after succeeding Pep Guardiola, who had led the club for a decade, and used the briefing to underline the challenges of his new position and the flurry of speculation surrounding his marquee signing.\n\nRodri, the World Cup‑winning midfielder and Spain’s captain during their North American triumph, underwent a minor back operation scheduled for Monday, followed by a period of holiday and recovery, meaning he will miss Manchester City’s pre‑season tour of Asia. The club confirmed the surgery was routine but will keep him sidelined for the early part of the season.\n\nMaresca told reporters, “First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation. I’m not worried about that, it’s normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup – he is one of the best players.” He added, “I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he’s a top player. But now, surgery on Monday, and then he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us.”\n\nReal Madrid have been strongly linked with a big‑money move for the player this summer, and the club’s interest underscores the broader summer transfer market dynamics as Rodri’s contract expires next summer and his performances keep him at the centre of European speculation.\n\nDespite missing the Asian tour, Rodri could return to fitness and recovery work at the City Football Academy in the week preceding the FA Community Shield on Sunday 16 August, and Maresca expects the midfielder to rejoin the first‑team squad ahead of that match.\n\nManchester City’s first competitive fixture of the 2026/27 Premier League season will follow a week later, when Marco Rose’s Bournemouth travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 23 August, giving the club a chance to assess Rodri’s readiness ahead of that encounter.