As if things could get worse for Real Madrid, the club announced on Wednesday morning that starlet Vinícius Júnior sustained a serious ankle injury in Tuesday’s embarrassing loss to Ajax and will be out for some time.
I’m not one to play the blame game, but in this instance, I feel it is justified.
Manager Santiago Solari overplayed Vinícius for the last two months and caused the injury he suffered in the first half in the Santiago Bernabéu. After starting in three huge matches in six days time, the young Brazilian tore a ligament in his right leg.
It was apparent from the moment he went to the ground near the Ajax goalline that something was very, very wrong.
The Sanitas training staff carried out tests and examined the ankle and discovered the tear. The announcement from the club is below.
“Following the tests carried out today on our player, Vinicius Jr., by the Real Madrid medical department, he has been diagnosed with a ligament tear of the tibiofibular joint of the right leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed.”
This is a devastating injury not only for the player, but for Real Madrid as a whole. Vinícius has shown us in just a few brief months that the future is indeed very bright. However, serious injuries that occur from overuse could quickly derail all of that development.
Because of the injury, Vini will now miss his first call-up to the Brazilian national team later this month and chances are slim he is called up to the squad for the Copa America this summer once Neymar Jr. is back to 100 percent.
According to Marca, there is a very good chance Júnior does not play another match for Los Blancos this season as the recovery time for such an injury usually takes around two months.
The young player tweeted earlier today saying he is focused on recovery.
Lembre da minha ordem; “Seja forte e corajoso! Não fique desanimado, nem tenha medo, porque eu, o Senhor, seu Deus, estarei com você em qualquer lugar para onde você for!” Foco na recuperação! 🙌🏾👊🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/cM1UwyUrXj
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) March 6, 2019
He says in the tweets: “Remember my order; “Be strong and brave! Do not be discouraged, nor be afraid, because I, the Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go! ” Focus[ing] on Recovery!”
I am rather angry with Solari at the moment and think he is to blame for this injury. Vini was playing great in every competition, but he was playing too much!
Solari has done a horrendous job at rotating the squad and letting different players get opportunities. Now, the squad ranks will be thinner without the playmaker available on the left side.
Let’s all hope Vinícius Júnior makes a quick recovery and is back on the pitch in no time!