Real Madrid are facing anxious moments over the fitness of Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez as the domestic season nears its end, with the Club World Cup looming large this summer, according to reports from Spain.
Both players were forced off late in Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Barcelona on Sunday. The club has since confirmed the injuries: Vinicius sustained a sprain in his left ankle, while Vazquez suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh, specifically the pectineus.
According to MARCA, Vinicius is ruled out of Wednesday’s crucial league clash against Mallorca. Should Madrid fail to win, Barcelona would be crowned La Liga champions even before their Catalan derby against Espanyol on Thursday. The outlet also reports uncertainty over Vinicius’ availability for Madrid’s final league game of the season, at home to Real Sociedad on May 25.
With no domestic silverware left to chase and the Club World Cup on the horizon, Madrid are expected to allow Vinicius to recover fully, especially as the tournament begins in June. By then, Carlo Ancelotti is set to take over as Brazil’s national team manager, potentially making way for Xabi Alonso to step in as Madrid’s new head coach.
As for Lucas Vazquez, AS offered a more positive update. While the veteran full-back is expected to miss the midweek trip to Mallorca, he could return for the weekend fixture against Sevilla, with reports suggesting he will be “90% ready” by then.
Vazquez’s involvement in the Club World Cup also remains uncertain. The five-time Champions League winner turns 34 on July 1—the same day his current contract expires. That date falls during the middle of the expanded Club World Cup tournament, though Madrid could opt to offer him a short-term extension, as they can with any player whose deal ends on that day.