24-year-old Real Madrid ace could gain prominence in the team after Vinicius’ injury
Real Madrid are grappling with the reverberations of Vinicius Junior’s injury, which is a moment of panic within the club.
Real Madrid are grappling with the reverberations of Vinicius Junior’s injury, which is a moment of panic within the club.
The young Brazilian will be sidelined for an extensive six weeks after it was confirmed that he has a torn biceps femoris in his right leg.
This unfortunate setback might lead him to miss up to eight pivotal matches, encompassing six crucial league games and additional fixtures in the UEFA Champions League.
The absence of Vinicius Jr presents a formidable challenge for the Real Madrid head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, given that he was the team’s most adept player at unbalancing opponents.
This predicament is compounded by the team’s thinning forward lineup, now reduced to a mere trio: Rodrygo, Joselu, and Brahim Diaz.
Among the aforementioned trio, while Diaz finds himself trailing in Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking plans, he remains an underdog in the competition for minutes.
This scenario has coincided with Vinicius’ unfortunate injury, giving the former AC Milan loanee to finally step up for the team, reports Mundo Deportivo.
This opens up a vacancy for the 24-year-old, either as a potential starter or an impactful substitute off the bench.
Furthermore, Vinicius’ absence also initiates a potential strategic shift, with Ancelotti contemplating a return to the 4-3-3 formation.
This transformation could favour Diaz’s integration on the right wing, capitalizing on his adaptability and prior experience as a midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 configuration during his time at Milan.
While Vinicius’ injury undoubtedly poses a substantial challenge for Real Madrid, it simultaneously bestows a golden opportunity upon Diaz.
This turn of events could mark a pivotal juncture in his season, ushering in a period of increased prospects and playing time, thereby reshaping his trajectory within the team.
Rodrygo emerges as the natural contender to step into Vinicius’ shoes on the left wing. This particular territory has always showcased Rodrygo’s strengths and abilities, setting the stage for a seamless transition.
Joselu, on the other hand, assumed the responsibility of filling the void when Vinicius had to be substituted in the 18th minute during the Celta Vigo match.
Having already amassed playing time in victories against Athletic Club and Almeria, Joselu played a pivotal role in the match against Celta, featuring for over 70 minutes and playing an instrumental role in Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal.