Vinicius Jr was substituted just 18 minutes into Real Madrid’s 1-0 league victory over Celta Vigo at the Abanca-Balaidos Stadium.
The Brazilian looked to have sustained an injury just 13 minutes into the encounter against Rafael Benitez’s side, but he tried to carry on despite the discomfort.
However, 5 minutes later, Vinicius Jr requested that he should be substituted as he couldn’t shrug off the injury.
The 28-year-old is expected to return to action in mid-September, and his absence would be a huge blow for Real Madrid.
Vinicius Jr has scored 1 goal and provided no assist in 3 league appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Speaking after the game against Celta Vigo, manager Carlo Ancelotti gave an update on Vinicius Jr’s injury.
Ancelotti stated: “Vini Jr. wanted to continue and I don’t think it was too serious. He tried and it was giving him some discomfort, so we made the decision to replace him.”
When will Vinicius Jr return from injury
Ancelotti also hinted at the Brazilian’s likely return period, expressing that the upcoming international break will help the 23-year-old recover well.
He said: “I don’t think he’ll play against Getafe and the break will help him to recover when we play again.”
Speaking concerning the performance of the Brazil international throughout the 18 minutes he was on the pitch, the Italian tactician said:
“He had a good start to the game, he seemed unstoppable. It’s a shame. We found it more difficult without him, but also due to the fact that they played very well at the back.”
Vinicius joins Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao as first-team starters in the treatment room, and both players are nursing ACL injuries.
Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid are a complete team
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has also expressed that the injury to Vinicius Jr will not force Real Madrid into the transfer market, as they can get the desired results without the Brazilian.
He said: “Vinicius injury will not force us to sign players. The team is complete. We can win without Vinicius, Benzema, Courtois, Militão.
“No signings? Our attack is complete. The numbers speak for themselves. We are scoring goals without Benzema and Vinicius.”
Vinicius Jr has scored 60 goals and provided 64 assists in 227 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions.
Los Blancos have picked up 3 wins from 3 in the 2023/24 Spanish La Liga season, defeating Athletic Bilbao by 2-0 in their opening game of the season, and beating Almeria by 3-1 on Matchday 2.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit at the summit of the table, 3 points above 2nd and 3rd place Rayo Vallecano and Valencia respectively.
Rayo Vallecano and Valencia are yet to play on Matchday 3, and both sides face Atletico Madrid and Osasuna respectively.
Los Blancos are aiming to wrestle the La Liga title off defending champions Barcelona, as they hope to earn back the league crown that they won in the 2021/22 season.
