Real Madrid’s loss of Vinícius Júnior due to injury is a significant setback for the reigning Spanish and European champions. However, the club has a history of thriving in challenging circumstances.
The early months of the 2024–25 season have been dominated by Real Madrid’s mounting injury crisis. Key players such as Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham have faced extended absences, while Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão suffered season-ending ACL injuries, leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti’s defense severely weakened. Kylian Mbappé has also dealt with injury issues, along with Brahim Díaz, Dani Ceballos, and Lucas Vázquez. Rodrygo’s fitness has been inconsistent, and Thibaut Courtois has appeared in only three of the last eight matches. Even Aurélien Tchouaméni is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
Vinícius Júnior has been a vital presence in Ancelotti’s lineup, participating in all 18 matches this season and leading the team with 12 goals and five assists. Unfortunately, he is now the latest casualty in a series of injuries that have plagued the squad. The club has confirmed that he sustained a biceps femoris injury in his left leg and is expected to be out for up to four weeks. This injury comes at a crucial time, with an upcoming match at Anfield and Real Madrid closing the gap to Barcelona in La Liga, now just four points behind with a game in hand.
Despite the absence of Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid has the depth and coaching acumen to maintain its La Liga campaign. Ancelotti demonstrated last season that he could lead the team to victories without his star players. During Vinícius Júnior’s absence last season, Real Madrid achieved nine wins, one draw, and one loss. The team went on to claim both La Liga and the Champions League titles, even after losing key players like Courtois, David Alaba, and Militão to injuries.
Real Madrid’s success last year stemmed from unexpected contributions. Andriy Lunin excelled in goal, Tchouaméni filled in at center back, and Joselu made critical contributions off the bench during the Champions League run.
While Ancelotti’s current squad has seen changes—most notably the retirements of Toni Kroos and the departure of Joselu, along with Carvajal’s injury—the team still boasts considerable talent and versatility. In recent months, Ancelotti has successfully utilized players in unconventional roles, such as deploying Bellingham as a right wing-back and Valverde as a right back. Emerging talents like Raúl Asencio have also made an impact in their first-team appearances. Though the team’s style may not always be aesthetically pleasing, Real Madrid has secured three points in eight of their last ten La Liga matches.
This season, the addition of Mbappé provides further options. The French forward has the opportunity to shine in his preferred left-wing position and has already scored nine goals across all competitions. However, he will need to step up significantly in Vinícius Júnior’s absence.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, their upcoming schedule includes manageable matches against 15th-place Getafe, Athletic Club, a struggling Girona side, and 13th-place Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. The Champions League presents a tougher challenge, with fixtures against Liverpool and Atalanta, particularly concerning given the team has already suffered two losses in the group stage. Nevertheless, with the expectation that Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Tchouaméni will return by the time playoff rounds approach, the team’s chances of advancing remain strong.
While the situation may seem dire, Real Madrid has consistently demonstrated resilience over the past three years. The club is known for rising to the occasion and often emerges from adversity with silverware in hand.
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