Real Madrid faced further injury setbacks as Vinícius Júnior was forced off during Brazil’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Colombia on Friday.
The Madrid forward contributed an assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal, but he had to be substituted in the 27th minute in Barranquilla, with visible strapping on his left thigh.
This injury comes just two days after midfielder Eduardo Camavinga hurt his knee in training with France.
Madrid is already grappling with the absence of goalkeeper Kepa (thigh injury), Aurélien Tchouaméni (broken bone in left foot), and long-term absentees Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão, both of whom suffered ACL tears in August.
Jude Bellingham also withdrew from the England squad due to a shoulder injury sustained during Madrid’s 5-1 win over Valencia.
Vinícius Júnior will undergo tests to assess the extent of his injury.
Sources indicate that, while he is in less pain than during the hamstring problem in his right leg that sidelined him for a month earlier this season (August to September), there is still concern about his prognosis.
“I think it’s the same injury as last time,” Vinícius said post-match. “I got a knock, and I felt it [again] later. I’ll have tests, to see what it is.
“From what the doctors say, it will be difficult [to play Argentina on Wednesday] but we’ll try everything.”
Vinícius has recently displayed his top form of the season, notably scoring twice in Madrid’s 5-1 victory over Valencia last Saturday.
Camavinga returned to Madrid for assessment on Thursday and was scheduled for a scan to determine the extent of his knee injury and the duration of his absence. Preliminary indications suggest he might be sidelined until January, according to sources.
In LaLiga, Madrid holds the second position after 13 games, trailing surprise leaders Girona by two points. They are also leading Champions League Group C with a perfect record of four wins out of four.
Following the international break, Madrid is slated to face Cadiz in LaLiga on November 26, followed by home fixtures against Napoli in the Champions League on December 2 and Granada in LaLiga on December 2.