Spain's football federation (RFEF) announced on Monday the withdrawal of midfielder Rodri from the national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Bulgaria. This decision follows an injury Rodri sustained during Manchester City's Premier League victory away at Brentford, where he was substituted early in the game.

Rodri's latest injury concern emerged on Sunday when the 29-year-old midfielder was forced off the pitch in the 21st minute. He was seen holding his hamstring in the centre circle and subsequently limped off, being replaced by Nico González. Despite the early exit, Rodri attempted to downplay the seriousness of the injury after the match. Speaking to Sky Sports, he remarked, "I felt a little bit in the hamstring -- but it seems as though it's not that much. I stretched a bit, like in the final of the Euros [when he had to go off injured]. But the most important thing is it's not that big."

The RFEF's news release on Monday confirmed the injury, stating that it "was confirmed by medical tests from his club." This incident adds another challenge to Rodri's efforts to regain peak fitness and sharpness. He has been actively working towards returning to top form for both club and country after suffering a serious knee injury last season. That particular injury, which affected his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee, necessitated surgery after a Premier League clash with Arsenal in September 2024.

Having initially returned to action towards the end of last season, Rodri, who famously won the Ballon d'Or last year, has been on a carefully managed path back to full fitness under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has previously highlighted the importance of managing Rodri's playing time, responding to questions about why the midfielder isn't always playing 90 minutes. This time, the concern focused on his right hamstring rather than his previously repaired knee.

Guardiola also sought to alleviate fears of a major setback, expressing hope that Rodri's hamstring injury would "not be huge" and that the team would have their "talismanic midfielder back after the international break." Rodri, who is Spain's captain, was initially included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the crucial qualifiers.

Spain currently holds a perfect record atop their World Cup qualifying group. Securing six points from their matches against Georgia and Bulgaria could see them qualify for the World Cup, contingent on Turkey failing to win in Bulgaria and Georgia drawing with Turkey.