Blow for Manchester City with Rodri out for extended period due to back injury

Manchester City midfielder Rodri, 30, faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a back injury that may require surgery, potentially ruling him out for the start of the season. The Spain captain had just returned to top form at the World Cup, where he led Spain to a 1-0 final victory over Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday. Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player despite the injury concern now casting doubt over his availability.