Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Vinicius Junior will return from injury sooner than anticipated.
The Brazilian winger is expected to feature in Madrid’s Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday.
Vinicius suffered a hamstring injury in November, initially sidelining him until the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18.
However, the 23-year-old resumed training on Friday, prompting Ancelotti to confirm his availability for next week. Despite this progress, he will miss Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Girona.
Vinicius has recovered very well. He’s not ready for tomorrow, but he will be for the next Champions League game, Ancelotti announced during a press conference.
The return of Vinicius comes as a significant boost for Real Madrid, who have endured a rocky Champions League campaign.
The team has suffered three defeats in their first five group-stage matches, leaving them in a precarious position in the standings.
In addition to Vinicius, defender David Alaba has also made strides in his recovery from a long-term knee injury. The Austrian defender participated in training and is on track to return to action in January, according to Ancelotti.
Vinicius’ absence has placed greater pressure on Kylian Mbappé, who has struggled to find consistency since his high-profile summer move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French forward has missed crucial penalties in recent losses to Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao and has scored 10 goals in 20 matches across all competitions.
Acknowledging Mbappé’s challenges, Ancelotti expressed his support for the player, who recently vowed on Instagram to overcome his struggles.
He knows he’s not at his best, but the positive thing is that he’s aware of it and is determined to change the situation, Ancelotti said.
The coach highlighted Mbappé’s improved performances in recent La Liga matches against Getafe and Athletic, noting an increase in intensity and sprinting statistics.
However, Ancelotti also hinted that giving the 25-year-old occasional rest could be beneficial. Sometimes, a day off can help, he remarked.
Ancelotti also addressed criticism surrounding Madrid’s recent performances.
While he admitted the team has room for improvement, the Italian coach remains focused on turning the situation around. Like stress, criticism is fuel to try and do better, he stated.
As Madrid prepares for crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions, the return of Vinicius offers a timely lift for a team seeking to regain form and confidence.
