Enzo Maresca inherits City midfield void as Rodri faces surgery

Manchester City will start the 2026-27 Premier League campaign without midfielder Rodri, who is scheduled for surgery after Spain’s 2026 World Cup, as Enzo Maresca takes over from Pep Guardiola to lead a squad blending youth and experience for the club. Enzo Maresca was confirmed as the successor to Pep Guardiola, marking the start of a new era for Manchester City. The Italian manager inherits a squad praised for its blend of youth and experience. Rodri, the Ballon d’Or‑winning midfielder, will miss the opening weeks of the 2026‑27 season as he undergoes surgery after Spain’s 2026 World Cup. His absence follows an ACL injury sustained in the 2024‑25 season that triggered a series of fitness problems.

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Jack Gaughan reported for the that the injury requiring surgery has not been specified and is described as a mystery injury. He added that Rodri’s rehabilitation is not expected to be lengthy, but it will still delay his return. Rodri’s contract with Manchester City expires in twelve months, leaving his long‑term future at the club uncertain. Over the past two seasons his fitness battles have been well documented, including missing large portions of the 2025‑26 campaign.

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Manchester City remain active in the transfer market, with Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest expected to join imminently as a potential replacement. The club is also linked with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. The midfield recruitment underscores the challenge for Maresca to maintain depth while coping with Rodri’s delayed start. City’s ability to secure another midfielder will be crucial for the early part of the 2026‑27 season.