July 28 (Reuters) - Spain ⁠midfielder Rodri has undergone minor ⁠back surgery, his Premier League club ‌Manchester City said on Tuesday.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, who was named the player of ​the tournament as he captained ⁠Spain to World ⁠Cup glory this month, had been experiencing ⁠discomfort ‌in his back before finally opting for surgery.

"The midfielder had ⁠been feeling discomfort for some time ​but has ‌now undergone a procedure to address ⁠the ​issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation," City said in ⁠a statement.

City did not give ​a timeline for his return but British media reported he may miss the start ⁠of the league season which kicks off on August 21.

The 30-year-old Rodri, who has suffered serious knee injuries during ​his career, has ⁠one year left on his City contract ​and has been linked ‌with a move to ​Real Madrid.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)