Real Madrid are left reeling after a fourth defeat out of four total 2024/25 Clasicos against eternal rivals Barcelona, as the 4-3 scoreline somewhat flattered Madrid in what was another archaic and shambolic defensive performance from a team that is merely a shell of the word "team".
And to make matters worse for the Merengue club, they lost one of their most important players to injury, as Vinicius Junior had to be subbed off early for unproven youngster Victor Munoz in the final minutes. Munoz would go on to miss a clear-cut chance to equalize.
According to a report from Ruben Martin of Diario AS, initial testing has revealed what is likely a Grade 2 ankle sprain to the Brazilian superstar, meaning that he is unlikely to play in Madrid's next match against Mallorca, which will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu in a few days on May 14.
With the LaLiga title effectively lost after this defeat to Barcelona, Real Madrid have no reason to rush Vinicius Jr. back for either this game against Mallorca or the next one on May 18 against Sevilla. Both teams are known for playing Vini Jr. tough in the tackle, too, so that's added incentive not to play him.
Endrick is going to get his chance at Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior being out, though, is an opportunity for other players on Real Madrid. Rodrygo Goes is already out of the equation, but Kylian Mbappe now gets to play on the left side of the formation, likely in a two-striker tandem where he can cut in from the left.
But the bigger winner, if that can be said, is Endrick. Vinicius's Brazil national teammate is one of the most talented players at Real Madrid and despite his minimal minutes in his first season at the club, is widely seen within the building as someone the team will build around sooner rather than later.
Endrick should get the brunt of the opportunities going forward until the season ends, which should mean that Real Madrid are extra cautious with Vini's ankle.
The 18-year-old striker was excellent in some games this season, particularly in the Copa del Rey when his goals and movement proved decisive in sending Real Madrid to the Copa del Rey Final in the first place.
As much as it hurts to see a player and character in the team like Vinicius Jr. go down for any number of games, if he's going to get injured, it's better to be now that things are dying down and there is someone like Endrick who can come in and start at a high level.
This is a big chance for the sweet left foot of Endrick to make a big difference and show that he can start more games off the left alongside either Mbappe or Vinicius when the 2025/26 season (or the Club World Cup before that) rolls around.