Rodri sidelined: Spain trim squad as World Cup 2026 qualifiers loom

Update on Rodri’s injury and Spain selection

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Monday that Rodri Hernandez has been left out of the Spain squad for World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria, as part of ongoing rotation and fitness considerations.

The 29-year-old midfielder, a mainstay of Manchester City’s engine room, was forced off in the 21st minute during City’s away game at Brentford in the Premier League, prompting concerns about his availability for national duty.

Rodri had undergone ACL surgery on his right knee after an earlier issue in September 2024 against Arsenal and has been rebuilding his fitness in the months since his return to action at the end of last season.

He sat in the middle of the park, clutching the hamstring/hamstrings area, before exiting the field and being replaced by Nico Gonzalez. The setback comes amid a broader timetable that places a heavy load on City and Spain as they navigate a busy spell across domestic and European competition.

Given his injury history, City officials are monitoring his progress closely as further medical evaluations are conducted to determine the extent of his current condition and the likely recovery window.

Impact on City and Spain

Statistically, Rodri’s absence is not merely a personal blow. Last season, City’s win rate slid from 78% to 61% in matches where Rodri played less due to injury, and the team’s long-ball accuracy also fell from 13 to 7 per game, underscoring his importance in initiating attacks from deep and stabilizing the midfield.

Rodri is widely seen as the principal link between defense and attack—one of the squad’s most effective ball recoverers and a key distributor into the attacking third. His absence risks weakening City’s ability to maintain possession and break lines under pressure, particularly against teams that press high, such as Arsenal and Liverpool.

With the international break starting soon, there is hope the injury is minor and that a brief layoff will suffice. City, however, faces a congested schedule in the weeks ahead, including league games and Champions League ties, making a ready-made replacement a precious commodity in Guardiola’s plans.

Outlook and tactical considerations

City’s manager has expressed confidence that Rodri will rebound and reach his best form for Spain at the World Cup 2026, while acknowledging that the current season will be a gradual rehabilitation process. Guardiola suggested that the next campaign could herald the best version of Rodri yet, provided he can maintain continuity in his fitness and rhythm.

In the short term, the Spaniard’s absence might prompt Pep Guardiola to reassess midfield structure. If the injury requires him to miss several weeks, City could shift from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-2-3-1 formation, adding a midfielder to partner Nico Gonzalez, or even deploy John Stones in a temporary holding role to balance the side.

Rodri’s current situation has revived questions about Spain’s midfield depth, with contenders such as Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, and Alex Baena among the options vying for positions in the absence of the wayward passer and tireless regainer that Rodri embodies.

As of now, Rodri has played six matches for City across all competitions this season, alongside two international appearances for Spain. Medical tests in the coming hours are expected to clarify the severity and the likely duration of his absence, though early indicators do not look particularly encouraging given his injury history in the past year.

The memory of last season’s long spell on the sidelines looms large, as City slipped from their usual midfield dominance and became more vulnerable to transitions. Guardiola’s strategy has always hinged on Rodri’s dual role as shield and distributor, and his temporary absence could force the manager to rethink the way the team controls the tempo and exits pressure. The next few weeks will determine how quickly Rodri can reintegrate and how City will manage the noise of a packed fixture list.

In short, the road to a return for Rodri remains a mix of cautious medicals, patient rehab, and a race against a gruelling schedule. The hope remains that he will be ready to lay the groundwork for both his club and his country in the months ahead, culminating in a peak performance at the World Cup 2026.

Punchlines

1. If patience is a virtue, Rodri’s knee is drafting a manifesto. 2. City’s midfield plan: step by step, until the ball finds its way home—preferably with Rodri’s return and a few extra backups to keep things spicy.