Vinicius Junior injury scare worries Real Madrid fans before Al-Hilal clash
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Vinicius Junior injury scare has sent ripples through both the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid camp, just days before Los Blancos begin their Club World Cup campaign. The winger was forced off late in Brazil’s 1–0 win over Paraguay after appearing to suffer a leg issue, raising fears about his availability for the upcoming tournament opener against Al-Hilal.
- Vinicius Junior scored the decisive goal for Brazil before exiting with a leg injury
- Real Madrid could be without their star winger for the Club World Cup opener
- Xabi Alonso faces early squad challenges with injuries mounting
- Brazil’s qualification secured, but concern lingers for both club and country
The match had initially offered reasons for optimism. Vinicius netted the winning goal in what was a physical and tense World Cup qualifier, marking a strong start to Carlo Ancelotti’s interim stint as Brazil coach. His sharp finish helped Brazil punch their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. However, any celebration was short-lived once the Real Madrid forward signaled discomfort and was substituted with just over ten minutes remaining.
Initial reports suggested a sharp pain in the back of his leg, though no official diagnosis has been released. While the severity remains unclear, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso will be hoping for positive news. Already contending with a string of injuries, Alonso had been preparing to lean heavily on Vinicius, especially with his tactical shift toward a dynamic front line that could soon include Kylian Mbappe.
The timing could hardly be worse for the Spanish giants. The Club World Cup represents not only a shot at silverware but also a chance to showcase their evolving identity under Alonso’s stewardship. Losing a key player like Vinicius would disrupt both strategy and squad balance, with Rodrygo likely to fill the gap if needed—he was left out of Brazil’s squad for the qualifiers and remains fresh for duty.
As fans await updates on his condition, one thing is clear: Real Madrid’s ambitions on the global stage may hinge on the outcome of this Vinicius Junior injury scare. For now, Alonso and his staff are left to hope that the damage is minimal and that their rising star returns in time to shine on football’s world stage. And for those tracking player impact and match trends, our LaLiga Predictions section offers insights into how this could affect Real Madrid’s domestic campaign as well.
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