Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is feeling tired but will still be available for their LaLiga match against Villarreal on Saturday, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Brazilian was given an extra day to rest and did not join team training on Friday. Instead, he stayed inside the club’s facilities, as reported by local media.
This comes after Real Madrid’s intense Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, which went into extra time before they secured a 4-2 win on penalties.
“We have given him an extra day’s rest because he is still very tired,” Ancelotti told a press conference.
“Tomorrow he will be available and at full strength to help us. He doesn’t have any problems, just a bit of tiredness.”
The Italian coach backed the 24-year-old, who missed a late second-half penalty against Atletico.
“For us, for me, Vinicius is an indisputable player,” Ancelotti added. “He may have better or worse games, moments. But I don’t dispute that.
“Even if sometimes he doesn’t play well, even if he fails, he has been so important for this club that I can’t argue with that.”
Real Madrid has faced some challenges in their bid to defend the LaLiga title. They are currently in second place, having won only two of their last six matches.
The team is tied on 57 points with league leaders Barcelona, who have an extra game to play. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid sits in third place, just one point behind. Barcelona will face Atletico on Sunday, while Villarreal, who are in fifth place, continue to push for a higher spot in the standings.
“We have to make an extra effort (on Saturday),” Ancelotti said.
“We can’t feel fresh, because we haven’t had the time needed. But we can put other things on the pitch: quality, a good attitude, play an intelligent game… There is not only one way to win. There are many, defending well, for example.”