Rodri is set to undergo back surgery, but Enzo Maresca has played down transfer speculation surrounding the Spain midfielder.

Rodri, the World Cup winner, will undergo surgery on his back pain on Monday Manchester City Boss Enzo Maresca confirmed.

The 30-year-old Spain captain was last week named the Ballon d’Or player of the tournament after leading his country to World Cup glory.

But the midfielder’s last two seasons at club level have been heavily hampered by injury – an anterior cruciate ligament injury meant he was sidelined for much of last season before a string of setbacks.

The Ballon d’Or winner was back to his best form at the World Cup but spoke at a press conference for the first time since his absence. The city manager was appointed, Maresca said the player now needs surgery and recovery.

“Now they will operate on him on Monday. Then he will need rest, rest and recovery and then he will come back to us,” the Italian coach said.

Maresca did not clarify when Rodri would return, although they played down speculation over the Spaniard’s future at the Etihad following reports of a possible move to Real Madrid last week.

“There’s always speculation around big players so I’m not worried,” he said.

“I think it’s normal, because they (Spain) won the World Cup and he’s one of the best players. I think every manager wants to get Rodri because he’s a top player.”

Of the remaining players, Maresca said he expects to have them in the squad three or four days before City face the Premier League champions. Arsenal Sunday, August 16 in the Community Shield.