Enzo Maresca hit with early blow as Man City star will miss start of the season due to 'mystery injury'

Enzo Maresca has been dealt an immediate blow on the day he was announced as Manchester City after reports emerged claiming one of his key players will miss the start of the new season.

After widespread speculation that he was set to replace mentor Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, Maresca's appointment was confirmed by City on Monday.

The Italian, who had two spells at City in different roles, has signed a three-year contract after City paid around £17 million in compensation to Chelsea in relation to his controversial Stamford Bridge exit.

Maresca spoke of his excitement to work with such a talented squad but he faces a longer wait to link up with City's midfield metronome Rodri.

READ MORE: Chelsea release never-before-seen statement as Manchester City confirm Enzo Maresca appointment

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is currently with Spain at the World Cup but according to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, he will undergo surgery after the tournament having picked up a 'mystery injury'.

Rodri and fellow World Cup stars were always due to arrive late back from their holidays and be absent for a good chunk of pre-season.

But with the former Atletico Madrid man going under the knife, he is therefore poised to miss the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

He looks certain to miss the Community Shield against Arsenal on 15 August, with City then facing Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City in their first three games.

City will be desperate to get Rodri back for the derby against Manchester United on 12 September.

No timeline has been given for his return, nor are there any details on his injury.

However, it is said that he is not expected to have a long period of rehabilitation.

After returning from his ACL injury suffered against Arsenal in the early weeks of the 2024/25 season, Rodri has struggled with fitness and picked up muscle injuries.

With Real Madrid circling, Rodri does have a contract offer from City but has not yet committed to extending his stay.

His current deal expires in 2027 and if nothing is signed by January 1, Rodri will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad.

Man City transfers latest as Rodri ruled out for start of the season

City have already let both Bernardo Silva and John Stones leave for free after their contracts expired but a club-record £116 million switch for England and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is soon to be made official.

Anderson has passed his medical and is set to earn around £300,000-a-week at City - as well as becoming the most expensive British football of all time.

City's business is anything but concluded and they also like Morocco's 18-year-old sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, as well Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

In terms of outgoings, Nathan Ake is expected to leave while Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez are among those who could move on.

Ruben Dias could reunite with compatriot Silva at Real Madrid, while Josko Gvardiol is expected to sign a new deal.