Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri will be sidelined for a short period following minor back surgery, Manchester City said on Tuesday.

Should Rodri complete his return to Madrid, one club would gain arguably the game's outstanding midfield organiser. The other would lose an irreplaceable individual but could ultimately discover a more flexible collective identity.

Enzo Maresca said Friday it is a "privilege" to follow Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City.

The curtain has fallen on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain edging Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift their second world title, but football's biggest individual prize now takes centre stage.

The Spain captain, who won the Golden Ball after inspiring his country to its first FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph since 2010 earlier this summer, now faces another spell on the sidelines following two injury-hit seasons at City.

Spain's midfield linchpin Rodri did not register a single goal or assist in eight matches as La Roja beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final in New York on Monday to lift their second world title.

"At the World Cup will be the best Rodri and next season will be the best Rodri." Those words from Pep Guardiola, spoken while Rodri was still recovering from the injury, sounded more like an act of faith than a prediction.

Although it was a tough final, Rodri was in no doubt that his team deserved to join their Spanish 2010 predecessors by lifting the biggest prize in the game.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner who has excelled at the heart of Spain's midfield during the World Cup, said he expects the final to be unlike any other game the European champions have faced.

Beyond Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semifinal in Dallas lay a far more compelling story than the scoreline itself -- one of a tactical masterclass from Luis de la Fuente that Didier Deschamps never truly recognised, let alone countered.

A second star has never been so within touching distance for La Furia Roja.

Ultimately, this high-stakes encounter near Hollywood lights faithfully mirrored the storied bracket of 1994, leaving the World Cup poised for further high-drama fixtures.

Spain midfielder Rodri said he is focused on the World Cup and will only address his future at Manchester City after the tournament.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is fit to return following a hamstring injury as they look to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal at Sunderland on Thursday, City manager Pep Guardiola said.

Pep Guardiola is confident Manchester City will contend for the Premier League title if Rodri can rediscover his best form after returning from injury.

Manchester City will be without midfielder Rodri for matches against Villarreal and Aston Villa this week as the Spanish midfielder continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Spain confirmed Monday Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez will not be joining them for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, after suffering a hamstring injury.

Manchester City blew the lead on Sunday in a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton that extended their troubled start to the Premier League season.

Midfielder Rodri is recovering from a "big injury" sustained during the Club World Cup, likely limiting the Ballon d'Or winner's playing time in the early stages of the new Premier League season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said.

Mateo Kovacic has undergone surgery on an Achilles injury and will miss the FIFA Club World Cup, Manchester City announced on Monday.