Rodri, the prominent midfielder for Spain and Manchester City, has withdrawn from the national squad due to an injury setback. The announcement came from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday, as Spain prepares for crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Bulgaria.
Details of Rodri’s Injury
The injury occurred during a Premier League match against Brentford on Sunday. Rodri was substituted in the 21st minute after experiencing pain in his hamstring. He was replaced by Nico González after sitting down in the center circle.
After the game, Rodri attempted to minimize concerns about his condition. He stated, “I felt a little bit in the hamstring — but it seems as though it’s not that much.” He acknowledged previous injury issues, referencing a similar situation from the Euros final. Despite this, he expressed optimism about the seriousness of the injury.
Recent Injury History
This setback is particularly concerning for Rodri, who has been working hard to regain his form following a severe knee injury last season. He underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus after being injured during a match against Arsenal in September 2024.
Although Rodri returned to action at the end of last season, he has continued to build his fitness and aimed to return to his top level, which earned him the Ballon d’Or last year. However, the latest injury complicates his recovery process.
Impact on Spain’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
As Spain leads their World Cup qualifying group with a perfect record, Rodri’s absence could be impactful. The team requires six points from their upcoming matches against Georgia and Bulgaria to secure a spot in the World Cup. This will be facilitated if Turkey does not win against Bulgaria, and Georgia does not lose to Turkey.
- Rodri’s Injury: Hamstring
- Matches Affected: Spain vs. Georgia, Spain vs. Bulgaria
- Current Group Standing: Spain leads with 100% record
- Injury Date: Injured on Sunday, confirmed by RFEF on Monday
Spain’s efforts to qualify for the World Cup will proceed without one of their key players, as Rodri focuses on recovery and return to fitness.
