Vinicius Jr among two Real Madrid stars sidelined in fresh double injury blow for Los Blancos
Real Madrid’s injury woes have deepened following their recent 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico, with key players Vinícius Júnior and Lucas Vázquez now sidelined due to injuries sustained during the match. These setbacks come at a critical juncture as Los Blancos approach the final stretch of the La Liga season and prepare for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Vinícius Júnior, who contributed two assists in the match, was forced off in the 88th minute after suffering a sprain in his left ankle. The club has confirmed that his recovery will be monitored, but reports suggest he could miss the remaining La Liga fixtures, with a potential return aimed at the Club World Cup in June .
Lucas Vázquez also exited the match early, diagnosed with an injury to the pectineus muscle in his left thigh. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but he is expected to miss upcoming matches, including the clash against Mallorca .
These injuries add to Real Madrid’s growing list of absentees, which includes defenders Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy, as well as midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. With Aurélien Tchouaméni suspended for the next match, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces significant challenges in squad selection .
The defensive crisis may force Ancelotti to rely on less experienced players like Jesús Vallejo, Fran García, and Raúl Asencio. Midfielders such as Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio might also be deployed in defensive roles to cover the gaps .
As Real Madrid prepares to host Mallorca and face Sevilla in their remaining La Liga fixtures, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested. With the Club World Cup on the horizon, managing player fitness and recovery becomes paramount to ensure competitiveness in the international tournament.
The club’s medical team will closely monitor the rehabilitation of Vinícius and Vázquez, aiming for their timely return. Meanwhile, Ancelotti must navigate the challenges of a depleted squad, striving to maintain performance levels and secure favorable outcomes in the concluding matches of the season.