Rodri set for back surgery, facing delayed start to season

Manchester City midfielder Rodri will undergo minor surgery on his back, according to the club. The Spain international may miss the start of the Premier League season as a result.

The 28-year-old has been a pivotal figure in City's recent dominance, helping them secure four consecutive league titles. His absence in pre-season and potentially the opening fixtures will test Pep Guardiola's squad depth.

Injury timeline and recovery expectations

Rodri's surgery is described as minor, but the recovery timeline remains unclear. City sources indicate the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure full fitness before his return.

The midfielder has been an ever-present in City's midfield, starting 34 of 38 league matches last season. His ability to control tempo and break up play is vital to Guardiola's system.

Impact on Manchester City's tactical setup

Without Rodri, City lack a like-for-like replacement. Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips, and John Stones offer different profiles but cannot replicate Rodri's unique blend of defensive discipline and distribution.

Guardiola may need to adjust his formation. One option is a double pivot using Kovacic and Stones, or pushing Bernardo Silva deeper. The manager will likely experiment during the Community Shield and pre-season friendlies.

City's opening fixtures include a tough run against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Starting the season without Rodri could prove costly in the title race, given the narrow margins last term.

FPL implications for fantasy managers

Rodri is owned by 25% of Fantasy Premier League managers at an initial price of £6.0m. His absence triggers a transfer headache for those planning to keep him.

Key points for FPL managers: Rodri is unlikely to be available for Gameweek 1; consider transferring to a midfielder with favourable fixtures; monitor City's pre-season lineups for who deputises.

Alternative options: Kovacic (£5.5m) or Phillips (£5.5m) may see increased minutes. However, neither offers the same goal threat or assists potential.

What's next for Rodri and City

Rodri will undergo surgery in the coming days and is expected to miss the Community Shield on 10 August. His target is to return by early September, meaning he could miss the first three league matches.

City fans will hope for a swift recovery, but Guardiola will need contingency plans. The club may also accelerate their search for a defensive midfielder in the transfer market, though no targets have been named.

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