Vinicius Junior's injury blow dismays Real Madrid

ANKARA

Brazil forward Vinicius Junior on Saturday was confirmed to have a hamstring injury, joining an ever-growing injury list at Real Madrid.

"Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a tear in his left femoral bicep which is affecting the tendon in his hamstring," the Spanish powerhouse said in a statement.

One of the key players at the club, Vinicius, 23, faced a thigh injury during Brazil's 2-1 loss to Colombia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, and returned to Madrid for treatment.

Brazil's next qualifier will be against Argentina, but Vinicius cannot play for his nation on Wednesday. He may also miss several other games.

This season Real Madrid were troubled by injuries.

Goalkeepers Thibault Courtois, and Kepa, defender Eder Militao, and midfielders Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Guler are all currently injured for the Spanish giants.

This week, Camavinga tore a knee ligament during a training session with the French national team.

Vinicius scored six goals and made four assists in 13 appearances for the Spanish club this season.

He left Brazil's Flamengo for Real Madrid in 2018, and also has 25 caps for his nation.