Real Madrid have no shortage of world class stars, after all, they don’t call them the Galácticos for nothing. Even amongst their endless list of talent, no one — bar Kylian Mbappé, perhaps — is more important than Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian winger has inherited a special big game temperament from former Madrid legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. Like Ronaldo, Vinícius has a way of delivering in big moments — and moment don’t come any bigger than Bayern Munich versus Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
But, after the international break, Los Blancos may have to come to terms with the reality of squaring off against Bayern without their talisman.
According to Goal, and reported by Brazilian website Globo Esporte, ‘Vini’ was forced to pull out of Brazil’s team training session due to a thigh strain after their 2-1 international friendly loss to France.
The 25-year-old had to sit out training on Saturday and did not take to the pitch with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Instead, Vini Jr. was only able to complete a few exercises in the gym and subsequently received treatment.
However, the injury does seem to be a preventative measure ahead of Brazil’s next fixture against Croatia.
The break from training is said to be merely a precautionary measure, after Vini reportedly felt pain in his thigh following the friendly against France (1–2) – although an examination on Friday apparently revealed no injury. It remains to be seen whether Ancelotti will field the Real Madrid star against Croatia on Tuesday.
Vinícius’s injury is very likely nothing to worry about, especially since there is still over one week remaining until Madrid face Bayern in the Champions League. It is, however, a subtle reminder how costly an international break just before a key round of European fixtures can be.
Bayern Munich take on Champions League rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on Tuesday, 7 April.
