Rodri absent from Arsenal v Man City Community Shield in Cardiff as back rehab continues

On August 17, 2026, Rodri was not in Manchester City's squad for the FA Community Shield 2026 final against Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, missing the match while still under rehabilitation.

Arsenal entered the fixture as English Premier League champions, having secured the top-division title after more than 20 years and reached the UEFA Champions League final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain. Manchester City qualified as FA Cup winners and had completed a domestic double by winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup under Pep Guardiola. City have since appointed Enzo Maresca as head coach and added new players to strengthen the squad for the 2026-27 campaign.

Rodri experienced discomfort in his back stemming from an injury sustained during the recent World Cup campaign and subsequently underwent minor back surgery ahead of the 2026-27 season. The operation was followed by a short rehabilitation period.

The midfielder played a prominent role for Spain at the World Cup, helping his country secure the trophy and earning the Golden Ball award for his performances. He is also identified in the report as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

Although Rodri had been expected to join the Manchester City squad ahead of the Community Shield final, a short period of rehabilitation was still required, preventing his inclusion for the match.

The 30-year-old is also set to join FC Barcelona in a transfer the article describes as "one of the biggest transfers heading into the new season."

🚨BREAKING: Manchester City have agreed a fee of £65.4m (€76.5m) with Barcelona for Rodri 💰#Barcelona #Rodri pic.twitter.com/evxThJEMll

Rodri will complete his rehabilitation and is expected to miss some matches at the start of the 2026-27 season while recovery continues; Manchester City have agreed a fee of £65.4m (€76.5m) with Barcelona for his transfer.