Monumental blow for Real Madrid as Vinicius Junior out for 10 weeks

Vinicius Junior is facing 10 weeks out after being forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against rivals Argentina.

The Real Madrid winger was withdrawn inside half an hour of the 2-1 defeat to Colombia on Thursday night with a thigh complaint, although he was still on the pitch long enough to provide an early assist for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. With a crucial game coming up against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Tuesday, Vinicius has withdrawn from the squad and his club have confirmed that he has suffered a torn hamstring.

According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed the extent of the injury, meaning he will not play again in 2023. That absence includes the clash with arch-rivals Argentina, with Brazil in dire need of a victory against the World Cup holders. Lionel Messi and Co. top the South American qualifying pool with 12 points, while the Selecao are lagging behind in fifth with just seven points. As for the implications on Madrid, Vinicius could miss as many as 12 matches, including both their final Champions League group-stage matches and the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid on January 10.

Following his withdrawal, Vini Jr wrote on social media: “We will return stronger.”

A statement from Real Madrid read: “Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a tear in his left femoral bicep which is affecting the tendon in his hamstring. His recovery will be monitored.”

Vini Jr has played his last game of 2023 and will be targeting a return as soon as possible in the new year. The clash with Argentina is Brazil’s final 2026 World Cup qualifier for the best part of a year, with their next scheduled fixture a friendly with England in March. As for Madrid, they’re back in action on November 26 when they take on Cadiz and although Vinicius could miss as many as 12 games, it could well have been more but for La Liga’s winter break, that sees the action stop for around two weeks prior to Christmas