Real Madrid defeated Villareal 2-0 in La Liga on Saturday (October 5) and now have the same points as table toppers Barcelona — 21. Albeit, the Catalan giants have played a game less. Despite the victory, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is worried due to an injury to Vinicius Jr.
It was a night of injuries for the Los Blancos as they took on Villareal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius Jr. scored the side's second goal (73') to help his side register a comfortable victory. However, he was taken off before the final whistle due to an injury. After the match, manager Ancelotti confirmed his neck injury, saying (via journalist Fabrizio Romano's X):
“Vinicius Jr is in pain and will undergo tests in the next hours. His neck is blocked, he has suffered a problem and that’s something we need to check with the medical staff."
It is not only a worrying sign for Ancelotti but also for the head coach of the Brazil national team Dorival Junior, as Vinicius could miss fixtures during the upcoming international break. Brazil will be playing Chile on October 10 and Peru on October 15.
Not only Vinicius Jr. but Real Madrid's most experienced defender and long-time member of the contingent Dani Carvajal has suffered a cruciate ligament injury. This will keep the Spanish right-back out of action for months and he may not play anymore this season.
Real Madrid yet to lose in La Liga 2024-25
Real Madrid have played nine matches, one more than table-toppers Barcelona, and sit in the second position of the La Liga table. They have the same points as their El Clasico rivals, with Hansi Flick's side having played one game less. Barcelona will play Deportivo Alaves on Sunday (October 6) in La Liga.
As of now, Real Madrid are one of two sides in the domestic league who are yet to lose a fixture. They have 21 points. In the current campaign, they have won six games and played out a draw on three occasions. The other team to have not lost a game is their city rivals Atletico Madrid.
After the international break, Carlo Ancelotti's side will return to action on October 19. They will take on Celta Vigo away from home. Following this fixture, the Los Blancos will play the El Clasico against Hansi Flick's Barcelona on October 26. Ancelotti will hope Vinicius Jr. returns to the pitch before this fixture as this could be a nail-biting clash and perhaps one of the season-defining matches for both outfits.