Vinícius Jr. will be Real Madrid’s captain in El Clásico, barring any last-minute fitness issues. Dani Carvajal and Fede Valverde are both out of the game. Carvajal is recovering from an injury, and Fede Valverde is ruled out after a physical altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni on Thursday.
“After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma. Valverde is at home in good condition and will need to rest
for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by medical protocols for this diagnosis,” the club has announced in a brief medical report. Additionally, Real Madrid have announced that a disciplinary process regarding Valverde and Tchouameni is also underway.
On 26 February 2025, Vinícius captained Real Madrid for the first time in his career, leading the side to a 1–0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
