Real Madrid dealt injury blow as Vinicius Junior could be out for five weeks

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior could be set for a short spell on the sidelines following his latest injury setback.

Los Blancos emerged victorious against Celta Vigo in La Liga over the weekend, but the result was overshadowed by Vinicius limping off ten minutes into the game due to a thigh injury.

Carlo Ancelotti commented on the Brazilian’s ailment, playing down its severity and stressing the struggles Madrid faced without Vinicius despite the victory.

“I don’t think it is very serious,” said Ancelotti (h/t Managing Madrid). “He wanted to continue because it is not a very serious thing. He wanted to continue and it bothered him.

“He won’t play against Getafe, but he will recover during the break. It’s a bit strange because he had started very well – he seemed to be uncontrollable.

“Without him it was more difficult for us because Celta played well at the back. We didn’t find spaces and we had difficulties because of their good work in defence.”

Diario AS claims Vinicius has sustained a tear in his hamstring and will likely be ruled out of action for up to five weeks.

It will be a considerable setback for Los Merengues whose injury list continues to pile up, with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao already sidelined.

Vinicius has been cited as the new leader in Madrid’s attack following the departure of Karim Benzema, and the capital giants now have to find ways to cope without their electric Brazilian winger.

Ancelotti is contemplating resorting back to the 4-3-3 formation, which could see Joselu occupy the central striking role and Rodrygo Goes moving to the left flank.

Federico Valverde could be shifted to the right wing, while Jude Bellingham would return to his traditional central midfield role.

Ancelotti’s men will face Getafe in their upcoming league encounter this weekend.