Real Madrid Handed Massive Boost as Key Player Nears Return From Injury

• Vinicius Jr. is nearing a return to action
• The Real Madrid winger has missed the last three games with an injury
• Real face Atletico Madrid this weekend, but that game may come too soon for the Brazilian

Real Madrid star, Vinicius Jr. could return as early as next week following a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the team for the last three games.

The Brazil star tore his hamstring in Madrid's hard-fought 1-0 win over Celta Vigo, a game in which he played just 18 minutes before he was replaced.

The news comes as Carlo Ancelotti's men prepare for their biggest test this season, a showdown with city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday, September 24.

However, Vinicius is set to miss that mouth-watering encounter, as reported by Madrid Universal.

Earlier this week, reports indicated that the 23-year-old was on track for an early return, but the club are not prepared to risk him in what will be a physical game against Diego Simeone's side.

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Real Madrid will also be without Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, and Dani Carvajal. Courtois and Militao are out with long-term injuries.

Ancelotti recently said that the winger is nearing a return.

“We don’t know when he will return. He’s recovering well but we won’t force him. He will start training with the team next week. He will be back before the expected 6 weeks,” he said, via Football Espana.

Vinicius hangs out with singer

Since he is not playing, Vinicius was spotted hanging out with Latin singer and superstar, Rauw Alejandro at an exclusive event hosted by luxury brand Off-White in Madrid.

The Brazilian and Alejandro shared several images of their meeting on social media during the event, which was also attended by several celebrities, including Juan Iglesias from Getafe, Ivana Andres, and Cruz Cafune.

FIFA a 'disgrace' for snubbing Vinicius

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that FIFA has come under heavy criticism, being labelled an 'absolute disgrace' for the glaring exclusion of Vinicius Junior from this year's The Best Football Awards nominee list.

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The global football governing body, which is responsible for organising the annual awards, unveiled the 12 nominees for the best men's player on September 14.

Among them are the 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, and Manchester City's treble-winning striker Erling Haaland, as well as Julian Alvarez and Declan Rice.