Carlo Ancelotti has said that Vinicius Jr is back to full fitness, weeks after the Brazilian sustained an injury in the 18th minute of Real Madrid’s encounter against Celta Vigo on August 25, 2023.
Ancelotti confirmed Vinicius Jr’s availability for action in a presser ahead of the Madrid derby slated for Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano as they look to return to the summit of the La Liga.
They have had a great start to the season, as they remain with a perfect unbeaten record of 5 victories from 5 matches.
Carlo Ancelotti will be relishing the prospect of having a healthy complement of his attack, as they battle against an astute Diego Simeone’s side.
Speaking with the media ahead of the big clash on Sunday, September 24, 2023, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Vinicius Jr is in contention to start against Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti confirms Vinicius Jr injury update
Ancelotti said: “Vinicius? He will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game. We will decide tomorrow (if he starts or not).
He also added that they would “evaluate” the Brazilian’s fitness ahead of the crucial fixture on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti said: “Vinicius has 100% recovered. We will take no risks with him. He wouldn’t be in the squad for the game otherwise, but we will evaluate the situation again tomorrow.”
Barcelona and Girona usurped Real Madrid to go 1st and 2nd on the La Liga table respectively, following victories on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
Xavi Hernandez’s side picked up a 3-2 comeback victory over Celta Vigo, while Girona also resurrected from a goal down to defeat Mallorca.
Real Madrid will go back to the top of the table with a victory on Sunday, September 24, 2023, against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos came out victorious in this fixture at the Wanda Metropolitano last season, defeating Atletico Madrid by 2-1.
The reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in a 1-1, with Jose Gimenez scoring for Los Rojiblancos, while Alvaro Rodriguez scored for Real Madrid.
Jude Bellingham to start against Atletico Madrid
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham would also feature against Atletico Madrid, after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the Englishman has shaken off the illness he had.
Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund on July 1, 2023, for a fee of €103 million.
He has scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 6 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions.
Thibaut Courtois, and Eder Militao all remain long-term absentees due to injury, while Dani Carvajal should return from a muscle injury in October 2023.
Real Madrid are aiming to wrestle the La Liga title off the grip of Barcelona, and they will be hoping that injury issues don’t hamper their chances of winning what could be their 36th Spanish top-tier league title.