Angel Villanueva says Manchester City's Rodri has a 30% risk of suffering a serious knee injury and has urged Real Madrid to consider it.
The Spain international's future at Manchester City remains uncertain after this season. The main reason for this is that the La Liga giants are eyeing him for the summer window.
On 6 March, Game Witness Covered Claims Real Madrid have identified the Manchester City star as their priority target. Last week, Spain International refused to discuss His future plans after this season.
He is now with La Roja for the ongoing international break. This allowed zero wave to chat with the 29-year-old and asked him specifically about the Real Madrid link.
Rodri leaves the door open to joining the Spanish giants despite his previous stint Atletico Madrid.
"I have a year left on my contract, there will come a time when we have to sit down and talk. You can't turn down the best clubs in the world." He said.
Manchester City star's fitness could be an issue
Villanueva is a Madrid-based physiotherapist and knee specialist.
After Rodri was admitted on Thursday, he was taken to the specialist xFormerly known as Twitter, to explain why Los Blancos should be cautious.
In September 2024, the Manchester City player suffered a serious knee injury and returned to the field in May 2025. He struggled with knee and hamstring problems in the first half of the season. To put this into context, the Spaniard was out for 113 days.
However, he has remained fit throughout this year and has been a regular player for Pep Guardiola. Despite this, Villanueva has warned of potential setbacks for Rodri in the future.
"Is his signature ready? Let's get to work. The player returned in May 2025 (8 months later). In my opinion, too soon. This caused muscle soreness in the operated knee and discomfort for some time. In September 2025 (1 year later), apparently the same knee got injured again," He said.
"Return to previous level: 60-80% chance. Risk of re-rupture (same ACL or other): 18-30% in the first 2 years. + 60% risk of muscle injuries (hamstrings). Osteoarthritis in the medium to long term: increased risk, especially if the meniscus is affected.
“Factors that complicate their signature [for Real Madrid] 30 years in 2026 (slow neuromuscular recovery). Position: Defensive midfielder (turning, braking and changing direction). Quick withdrawal + relapse can lead to loss of strength, precociousness and confidence.
Villanueva's message to Real Madrid
The expert suggests what Real Madrid should do in advance if they want to sign the Manchester City star in the summer.
"Is this a resounding 'no' from a medical perspective? No. But Real Madrid needs to improve its injury prevention programs and consider its specific context to properly manage the workload each season." Villanueva explained.
"It is important to monitor his performance in the coming months. There are risks that need to be evaluated: A comprehensive medical examination is mandatory: MRI, isokinetic testing (>90-95% symmetry), jumps/changes in direction analysis, and psychological evaluation. Possible clauses in the contract based on medical history (game bonuses, specific insurance)."
"If the investigation is clear then the signing is viable. Rodri will remain one of the best midfielders in the world when healthy. He could perform at his peak for the next 3-4 years, but it is not without risks. It would be a mistake to ignore his knee history. Let's hope Real Madrid knows how to manage it."
Rodri stats, contract and price
This season, the Spaniard has played 1,790 minutes in 28 matches in all competitions. This includes 1,246 minutes from 18 Premier League appearances with 14 starts.
His contract expires in 2027, and transfer market He is worth €65 million.
