Premier League stars Rodri and William Saliba are set to miss the start of the 2026/27 season with back injuries.
The pair both competed at the World Cup this summer, with Manchester City’s Rodri lifting the trophy as Spain captain, defeating Saliba’s France en route to the final.
Arsenal’s defender is one of several players who have been fighting through injury this summer, alongside domestic team-mates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who were both in and out of England’s World Cup campaign.
Rodri returned from an ACL injury at the start of 2026, and looked back to his best under Luis de la Fuente.
However, their sacrifices have come at a cost to both City and Arsenal, who will have to cope without their star players as we draw closer to the new season.
Rodri set for surgery amid Real Madrid interest
Rodri’s return date is unknown after City confirmed he will undergo back surgery in the coming days.
La Roja’s captain led his country to glory this summer, and was awarded the Golden Ball – a prize for the tournament’s best player – the first Spaniard to win it since 2010.
The 30-year-old started all eight matches at the World Cup, despite facing a disrupted campaign in England.
His future at the Etihad is also uncertain, with reports suggesting Real Madrid are interested in the Ballon d’Or winner, who has one year left on his contract.
Rodri is set to sit down for talks with City, but it looks unlikely he will extend his contract in Manchester, having expressed his desire to return to Spain multiple times in recent years.
After tearing his ACL in 2024, the former Atletico Madrid man started just 17 of City’s 38 Premier League games last season.
It has been a long road to recovery for the midfielder, who is now facing a further injury setback.
Saliba opts against surgery
Alongside Rodri’s absence, Arsenal have confirmed that centre-back Saliba will miss an “extended period” with a similar back issue suffered at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old was managing the injury throughout the tournament, but was forced off during the first half of the semi-final loss to Spain.
After seeing a specialist back in London, it was decided that Saliba would not undergo surgery.
Speaking on the situation, he said: “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.
“The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
The Frenchman was a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal machine that won the Premier League last season. He also played in the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
After making 50 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26, he will now rest and recover, watching from the stands as the Gunners face newly-promoted Coventry City on the opening night of the new Premier League season.