The previous injury had been checked off, the form curve was pointing upwards again – but now the next setback for Vinicius Junior: the Brazilian has suffered a serious injury
When the Champions League round of 16 kicks off on February 13 and 14, for which Real Madrid are already certain to qualify after just four group matches, Vinicius Junior could play again. But not much sooner. The Brazilian attacker’s second long-term injury of the season was also confirmed by his employer on Saturday afternoon.
The 23-year-old Brazilian has suffered a torn muscle in his left thigh, which makes this injury much more serious than the one he suffered at the end of August. Back then, the dribbling artist was condemned to four weeks on the sidelines, but now he is reportedly facing around two and a half months out of action
On Friday night, Vinicius Junior suffered an injury in Brazil’s international match against Colombia (1-2). After setting up the early opening goal for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, he took a “knock” that forced him to make an early substitution a little later on. “I think it’s the same as last time,” the winger suspected afterwards – in fact, it’s much worse than that
Real are particularly shaken in midfield at the moment
Things are getting worse for Vinicius Junior’s club these days: Real Madrid are pretty shaken in terms of personnel. With Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao tearing their cruciate ligaments at the start of the season, defensive midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are also currently out until at least the end of the year. Dani Ceballos is also missing in midfield, Arda Güler has yet to get into his stride, Courtois replacement Kepa is now indisposed himself and key player Jude Bellingham has a shoulder injury.
In the coming months, the Whites will be all the more aware that their attack is generally sparse following the departure of Karim Benzema, among others. In the absence of Vinicius Junior, substitute striker Joselu could be guaranteed a regular place
