Real Madrid has confirmed that star winger Vinicius Junior sustained a left ankle sprain during their 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in the El Clasico on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The 24-year-old Brazilian was forced off the pitch in the 88th minute, replaced by Victor Munoz, after attempting to play through the injury. The club’s medical services conducted tests on Monday, diagnosing the sprain but not specifying a recovery timeline. “Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle. The outcome is pending,” the club stated.
The injury compounds Real Madrid’s woes following a loss that has left them seven points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona with only three matches remaining, effectively dashing their title hopes. Reports from Diario AS suggest Vinicius is dealing with a grade two ankle sprain, likely ruling him out for the remainder of the La Liga season, including games against Mallorca on May 14, Sevilla on May 18, and Real Sociedad on May 25. However, there is optimism that he could recover in time for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in June, provided his rehabilitation progresses well.
Vinicius, who provided two assists for Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick in the Clasico, has been a key figure for Madrid this season, recording 11 goals and 9 assists in 29 La Liga appearances. His absence is a significant blow, with players like Endrick, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo expected to step up. Spanish media, including MARCA, also noted that right-back Lucas Vazquez suffered a pectineus muscle injury in the same match, further straining Madrid’s squad as they face a depleted defensive lineup.
Posts on X reflect fans’ disappointment, with users like @MadridUniversal and @theMadridZone highlighting the impact of Vinicius’s absence on Madrid’s already faltering campaign. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, set to depart for the Brazil national team after the season, faces a tactical challenge, with some sources suggesting the club may prioritize Vinicius’s recovery for the Club World Cup over risking him in remaining league fixtures.
As Real Madrid navigates this injury crisis, the focus shifts to youth prospects and squad depth to salvage pride in their final matches, with the Club World Cup looming as a chance for redemption.
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