Real Madrid face a growing crisis ahead of their crucial run of fixtures, with fears mounting that star forward Vinicius Junior could suffer a significant injury while on international duty.
Vinicius Injury Scare: Real Madrid Braces for Potential Five-Week Layoff
The 25-year-old, who has dazzled for club and country throughout 2026, has emerged as a major doubt for Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Croatia.
Vinicius missed training on Friday due to reported discomfort in his hamstring.
While Brazilian national team officials remain confident that he will recover in time to feature in Wednesday’s clash, the situation has sparked alarm at the Bernabeu.
Club officials view the potential decision to risk Vinicius in a non-competitive friendly as a major red flag.
Their concern stems directly from the recent injury to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring issue during Brazil’s friendly defeat to France.
The Brazilian winger will now miss approximately five weeks of action for his club.
Real Madrid fear history could repeat itself. If Vinicius takes the pitch against Croatia and aggravates the discomfort, he could face a similar extended lay-off.
The situation angers the Spanish club, who argue that risking a player of Vinicius’ importance for a friendly is reckless.
The timing could hardly be worse for Madrid. With the club fighting to remain in contention for both the La Liga title and the Champions League, Vinicius stands as their most vital attacking asset.
Losing him for an extended period during the decisive phase of the season would deliver a devastating blow to their ambitions.
Madrid officials are now desperately hoping the national team releases the winger to return to Spain early for treatment.
They want Vinicius to prioritize his fitness ahead of the club’s demanding schedule rather than participate in a match they consider unnecessary.
Vinicius, who is expected to sign a new contract with Real Madrid at the end of the season, now finds himself at the center of a familiar club-versus-country dispute.
For now, all eyes remain on Brazil’s medical staff and whether they decide to take the risk. Real Madrid can only wait and hope that their star forward returns to the Spanish capital in full health.
