Rodri Sidelined: Spain Faces Midfield Woes Ahead of WC Qualifiers

Spain’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers have taken a hit as Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old, a vital cog in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, felt discomfort in his hamstring during City’s Premier League clash with Brentford and had to be substituted in the 21st minute.

Rodri’s absence comes after a challenging spell, including a serious knee injury in September 2024 that sidelined him for most of last season. His experience and midfield control have been pivotal for both club and country, and his sudden unavailability forces coach Luis de la Fuente to rethink Spain’s midfield strategy ahead of matches against Georgia on October 11 and Bulgaria on October 14.

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While Spain has not officially announced a replacement for Rodri, de la Fuente recently turned to Celta Vigo striker Borja Iglesias to fill gaps caused by other injuries, signaling the squad may see further adjustments. Spain now faces the delicate task of balancing midfield creativity and defensive stability without one of its most influential players.

The Spanish camp remains focused, but Rodri’s absence underscores the unpredictability teams face as they gear up for key qualifiers, leaving fans and pundits alike speculating on how Spain will maintain their Euro-winning momentum.