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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Rodri out with ACL injury</li><li>Aiming to make stunning recovery</li><li>Vinicius Jr beaten to award</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Ballon d'Or triumph over Vinicius Jr 'like bottle of oxygen' for Rodri as he reveals ACL injury comeback target before end of this season

Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain

Manchester City

Real Madrid

Salzburg

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/rodri-man-city-sensational-comeback-acl-injury-ahead-of-club-world-cup/bltf5235469f76ad26b" target="_blank">Rodri is currently sidelined with an ACL injury</a> and has had to watch on as City have embarked on their worst-ever run under Pep Guardiola, failing to win any of their last six games. However, the Spain international is hoping to make a stunning comeback before the end of the season, and insists his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/official-rodri-wins-ballon-d-or-beating-real-madrid-superstar-vinicius-jr-to-biggest-individual-award-in-football/bltf74941fa191d49cd" target="_blank">Ballon d'Or win</a> has only served to inspire him. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Rodri beat Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to the most prestigious individual award in football, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/rodri-ballon-dor-win-biggest-robbery-football-history-angry-vinicius-jr-fans-real-madrid/bltcfe5b1e7e153e9a8" target="_blank">leading to a backlash from fans and team-mates of the Brazilian</a>. Nevertheless, the defensive midfielder insists that his prize is a "bottle of oxygen" as he bids to find his way back onto the pitch. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Rodri told <a href="https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/manchester-city-rodri-ballon-dor-oxygen" target="_blank"><em>FourFourTwo</em></a>: "Everything seems to be going well with my rehab. It’s been good to spend time with my family here. The energy they give me is important, and a long time had passed since I was back at home. Because of my injury, the award has been like a bottle of oxygen for me."</p><p>Regarding his return, he added: "I want to come back this season, that would be important for me. I don’t know if I can, but I’d like to be involved for a month or two and finish the season."</p>

WHAT RODRI SAID

<p>City are next in action against Liverpool in what could prove to be a decisive game for their title ambitions. A defeat would see the Reds move 11 points clear of the champions at the top.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Ballon d'Or triumph over Vinicius Jr 'like bottle of oxygen' for Rodri as he reveals ACL injury comeback target before end of this season | Goal.com

Manchester City midfielder Rodri insists his Ballon d&apos;Or win is a &quot;bottle of oxygen&quot; in his recovery as he targets a return this season. 

Ballon d&apos;Or triumph over Vinicius Jr &apos;like bottle of oxygen&apos; for Rodri as he reveals ACL injury comeback target before end of this season