Real Madrid Suffers Injury Setback Ahead of La Liga Derby Against Atletico

• Real Madrid visit the Civitas Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid this weekend
• Los Blancos were previously handed a big boost with the return of Vinicius Junior
• However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have now been dealt a blow after the latest report

Real Madrid headed into the 2023/24 season looking the thinnest they had been in attack since the turn of the century.

The Spanish powerhouse, who sanctioned the departure of four forwards last season, failed to cover for these departures due to the proclaimed 'sufficiency and quality of its current attack'.

Sadly for Real Madrid, it took just three match days for the frailties in attack to be revealed after Vinicius Jr. was subbed off injured, clutching his thigh in the game away at Celta Vigo.

The Brazilian, who was expected to be out for a minimum of six weeks, per Marca, did well to hasten his recovery with Los Blancos being able to coast through by relying on midfielder, Jude Bellingham.

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Having done a great deal of work to shorten his absence from the team, Vinicius was expected to make the travelling squad for the fixture against Atletico Madrid.

This was hinted at by coach, Carlo Ancelotti following the win against Union Berlin. However, the Italian gaffer may have to wait a little longer before his talismanic forward returns to the action.

Vinicius Jr.’s return delayed

As reported by DAZN’s Sergio Quirante, the Madrid Derby appears to have come too quickly for the 23-year-old and the club are not willing to risk the Brazilian, considering the season is still young.

Ancelotti will now shift his focus to mustering out a win against a highly defensive and compact side, managed by Diego Simeone, without the help of Vinicius.

However, the Real Madrid manager will take solace in being able to count on the goal-scoring prowess of Bellingham, alongside Rodrygo and Joselu.

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Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr trolls Bellingham

Sports Brief previously reported on Vinicius Jr trolling his teammate Bellingham after the pair attended an EA Sports FC event together.

Both players faced off in multiple matches during the game launch, with the midfielder's controller turning off as he was about to score a goal.

This moment was amusing for his teammate Vinicius, who broke into hysterical laughter following his teammate’s misfortune while playing.