Enrique Sanz Rodri's arrival at Madrid gets complicated: the midfielder is out, Florentino takes note
The midfielder has suffered another injury, this time to his groin, and his injury history calls for caution
Real Madrid are closely monitoring Rodri Hernández. However, its chances of signing him this summer have become complicated. The Spanish midfielder won't be available until after the September international break.
The news comes after a new physical setback for the Manchester City player. At 29 years old, injuries are starting to become a recurring problem.
Key absence for City and blow to the market
Pep Guardiola confirmed in a press conference that Rodri won't be able to start the season. "He's improving, but he suffered a serious injury in the last match against Al-Hilal," he explained.
That match, played in the Club World Cup, ended in a 4-3 defeat for the English side. Since then, the Spanish international has been dealing with discomfort that has slowed his recovery.
Rodri's absence is a serious setback for a Premier League title contender. It's also a warning sign for Real Madrid, which had considered bringing him in as a star reinforcement for the midfield.
Set schedule and growing doubts
Guardiola indicated that the goal is for the player to be ready after the September international break. The problem is that, by then, the transfer market will already be closed.
"The important thing is that he doesn't have pain. We don't want him to come back injured," the coach warned. The memory of his serious cruciate injury, which kept him out for eight months, is still very present.
A different but worrisome injury
Unlike that knee issue, this time the problem appears to be in the groin. According to British media, that area is preventing him from reaching his best physical condition.
City doesn't want to take risks. The club is prioritizing a full recovery, even if that means losing its starting midfielder in the opening matches.
At Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez and the sporting management are watching cautiously. Rodri fits the profile the club is seeking for the future, but his recent injury history calls for caution.
The market moves quickly and injuries don't wait. For now, the signing of the Spanish national team captain seems further away than ever.
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