Real Madrid has confirmed that star forward Vinicius Jr will miss Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool after suffering a leg muscle injury.
The Brazilian forward sustained the injury during Real Madrid’s 3-0 LaLiga victory over Leganes on Saturday.
On Monday, the Spanish club announced, “After medical tests conducted today by Real Madrid’s Medical Services, our player Vinicius Jr has been diagnosed with a biceps femoris injury in his left leg. His recovery will depend on how the injury progresses.”
Unavailable for up to a month
Sources close to Vinicius Jr revealed that the 23-year-old is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks. This means he could miss up to seven matches across all competitions, including LaLiga fixtures against Girona and Athletic Bilbao, as well as Real Madrid’s Champions League trip to Atalanta.
The injury comes as a major blow for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is already dealing with an overcrowded medical room. Key players like Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and David Alaba are also on the sidelines.
Real Madrid’s Challenges Ahead
Real Madrid currently sits second in the LaLiga standings with 30 points, four points behind Barcelona, who drew 2-2 with Celta Vigo over the weekend. While the team is performing well domestically, their Champions League campaign is on shaky ground.
After losing two of their last three games in the competition, Real Madrid is placed 18th in the 36-team group stage table with just six points from four matches. A defeat at Anfield could further jeopardize their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
A Pivotal Absence
Vinicius Jr’s absence leaves a significant gap in Real Madrid’s attack. Known for his pace, flair, and creativity, Vinicius has been instrumental for Los Blancos this season. His injury not only impacts the Liverpool match but also casts doubt on Real Madrid’s ability to maintain their competitive edge during a hectic pre-winter schedule.
As fans wait for updates on Vinicius Jr’s recovery, Ancelotti will need to rely on the depth of his squad to navigate this challenging period.
This injury news raises the stakes for Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures as they battle to keep their LaLiga title hopes alive and secure their Champions League ambitions.