Real Madrid has dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool, as star forward Vinicius Jr. sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Spanish club confirmed the news on Monday, announcing that the Brazilian winger will miss the crucial fixture at Anfield, as well as the Champions League clash with Atalanta on December 10. It is expected that Vinicius will be out for around a month, further hindering the team’s depth in key matches.
This injury marks the latest setback in a season already plagued by fitness concerns for the La Liga giants. In addition to Vinicius’ absence, a severe knee injury has sidelined veteran defender Dani Carvajal. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has pointed to the congested football calendar and the increasing number of fixtures as major factors contributing to these injury woes.
Vinicius Jr. has been one of the standout performers for Real Madrid this season. Despite his injury, he has been in sensational form, even outshining his teammate Kylian Mbappe. The 24-year-old finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, behind Rodri. In the current Champions League campaign, Vinicius scored four goals in just four appearances, while also contributing eight goals in 13 La Liga matches.
Real Madrid, however, has had a challenging time in Europe, suffering two losses in their opening four group-stage matches. Their defeats—a 1-0 loss to Lille and a 3-1 home setback to AC Milan—have left them in a precarious 18th place in the expanded group standings, making their match against Liverpool all the more critical.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, under new head coach Arne Slot, are enjoying a strong start to their season, sitting at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League standings.
With Vinicius out of action, Real Madrid will look to navigate their domestic and European commitments. In La Liga, they have upcoming fixtures against mid-table sides such as Getafe (15th), Athletic Club, and Girona, as well as Rayo Vallecano. These matches will provide opportunities for Real Madrid to maintain their momentum as they await the return of their injured star player.
