Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior injured for UCL match

Real Madrid confirmed on Monday onwards Vinicius Junior has picked up a left hamstring injury that will see him miss the team’s crunch Champions League leg trip to Liverpool on Wednesday.

Sources have told ESPN that Madrid hope the Brazil international will be out for between three and four weeks.

Vinícius, 24, played all 90 minutes of his side’s 3-0 league win at Leganés. There was no indication from Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the game that Vinícius was injured.

The winger took to social media after the news broke, called the football calendar “crazy”.

Vinícius only returned to Madrid on Thursday after starting Brazil’s draws with Venezuela and Uruguay during the international break.

“Mbappé was fresher than Vinícius,” Ancelotti admitted after Sunday’s game. “He did very well with the goal, after a great assist from Vini. Little by little the two are getting better.”

Vinícius, who switched positions with Kylian Mbappé in Madrid’s attack on Sunday, will miss several games, including Wednesday’s meeting at Liverpool.

Madrid go into the match at Anfield on Wednesday needing a win after losing twice in four Champions League games so far.

Los Blancoswho are second in LaLiga four points behind leaders Barcelona but with a game in hand, also have the FIFA Club World Cup coming up next month.

Mbappé, who was assisted by Vinícius for Madrid’s first goal on Sunday, spoke of his growing partnership with the Brazilian forward.

“Vini Jr. and I read each other really well,” he said.

“I have a good relationship with him and he is a great player. The best players are here and we are ready to win a lot of games and trophies.”

Vinícius has scored 12 goals and made eight more in 18 league appearances for Madrid this season.

Information from ESPN’s Gustavo Hofman and Rodrigo Faez contributed to this report.