Real Madrid is facing an injury scare ahead of Sunday's highly anticipated La Liga clash against arch-rivals FC Barcelona at the Bernabeu. The Catalans, currently trailing Los Blancos by eight points in the league standings, are in a must-win situation to keep their title hopes alive.
Barcelona is coming off a disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, with Kylian Mbappe playing a pivotal role in knocking them out. On the other hand, Real Madrid secured a thrilling victory over Manchester City in the Champions League, showcasing their resilience and determination.
However, Madrid's joy might be short-lived as reports suggest that winger Vinicius Jr. is a doubt for El Clasico due to a suspected thigh injury. The Brazilian was forced off the pitch during extra time against City, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial showdown against Barcelona.
If Vinicius Jr. is indeed ruled out, it is likely that Rodrygo will step in to partner Brahim Diaz in the attacking lineup. The severity of Vinicius' injury could also impact Madrid's upcoming Champions League semifinal clash against Bayern Munich.
Despite manager Carlo Ancelotti downplaying any physical concerns within the squad, the potential absence of Vinicius Jr. adds a layer of uncertainty to Madrid's preparations for the high-stakes fixtures ahead.