After the 3-0 victory over Leganés, Real Madrid announced the terrible news three days before the clash with Liverpool. Vinicius Jr is injured and will miss several weeks of competition.
Real Madrid made the worrying news official on Monday morning: Vinícius Jr has injured the biceps femoris in his left leg. Although the club has not said how long he will be unavailable, it is estimated that he will be out for around three weeks. The injury means that the Brazilian will miss a number of key fixtures, including Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Liverpool. The absence of Vinícius has thrown Carlo Ancelotti’s plans into turmoil, particularly after the sparkling performance of the Mbappé-Vinícius partnership against Leganés on Sunday.
Vinícius’ injury opens the way for Kylian Mbappé to play on the left flank, a position he is particularly fond of. In the 3-0 win over Leganés, the Frenchman started on the left before refocusing. He also scored a goal with an assist from the Brazilian. After the match, Mbappé spoke of his adaptation to different positions.
“I started well, with pace, in a different position. As I said on the first day I arrived, I can play in different positions and I’ll give it my all. It’s the story of my career, playing on the right, in the middle, on the left… above all I want to play well and score a lot of goals,” he said.
Parte médico de Vini Jr.#RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 25, 2024
Liverpool, a major test
The absence of Vinícius brings the question of Mbappé’s optimal positioning back to the fore. While the left flank naturally suits him, his ability to alternate with Jude Bellingham in attacking transitions will be crucial. The young Englishman, a veritable maestro in midfield, could become Mbappé’s preferred partner in the absence of Vinícius. Carlo Ancelotti will also have to adjust his tactical choices to maintain the positive spiral. With Mbappé in top form, Real Madrid will be able to continue exploiting speed and creativity down the flanks, even without their Brazilian jewel.
The first test without Vinícius will be a major clash against Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday. This match could provide Mbappé with an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership in attack and reinforce his key role in the Madrid project. While Vinícius’s absence is a blow, it also presents a unique opportunity for Mbappé to fully establish himself in a position he has long claimed.
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