Progress and potential return date for the Real Madrid winger

Vinícius Júnior picked up a thigh injury against Leganes that will keep him on the sidelines for up to six of Real Madrid’s upcoming matches, including the club’s trip to Anfield.

Real Madrid’s injury problems continue to worsen. Vinícius Júnior now joins Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Aurélien Tchouaméni in the infirmary. The winger showed no signs of a problem in Real Madrid’s first game back after the international break in November, picking up an assist and playing the full 90 minutes. However, after the La Liga clash, Vinícius Júnior was diagnosed with a significant injury.

“Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Vini Jr., he has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. His progress will be monitored,” the club said in an official statement.

Vinícius Júnior leads Real Madrid in scoring with 12 goals and five assists across all competitions. The Brazilian featured in all 18 of Los Blancos’ games this season but is now looking at a longer spell on the sidelines.

Here’s the latest on Vinícius Júnior’s injury.

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Real Madrid did not give a definitive timetable for Vinícius Júnior’s return, but the forward is expected to be out for between three and four weeks, as per reports. ESPN. He likely won’t play again until mid-to-late December.

With such a hectic schedule coming up, Vinícius Júnior is set to miss a handful of games, including Champions League games against Liverpool and Atalanta. The winger will be sorely missed in the UCL as Real Madrid have already suffered two defeats in the competition.

Carlo Ancelotti will also be without his best player against Getafe, Athletic Club, Girona and Rayo Vallecano. If Vinícius Júnior’s recovery takes the full four weeks, he will also miss Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Sevilla on December 22.

There is always the possibility that he will return earlier than expected, but one thing is certain – he will miss the trip to Anfield.

Realistically, no one can replace Vinícius Júnior for Real Madrid, but Kylian Mbappé will be the man to take the Brazilian’s place on the left wing. It’s no secret that the Frenchman has had trouble adjusting to life as the No. 9, and now he returns to his preferred position.

With Rodrygo also injured, Brahim Díaz will join Mbappé up top. The 25-year-old scored five goals for Morocco during the international break in November and will be hoping to translate his brilliant form to his club.

Jude Bellingham is likely to play as a false nine, but if Ancelotti wants to roll out his traditional 4-3-3, then Endrick could feature for some minutes. The Brazilian is the team’s only natural striker available.

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