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Real Madrid 'sweating over fitness of key player for El Clasico'

sportsmole.co.uk 2024/5/1
Real Madrid 'sweating over fitness of key player for El Clasico'

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior will reportedly undergo a medical examination on Thursday to determine the extent of the problem which forced him off against Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The Brazil international was substituted in the 102nd minute of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final following a race with Man City's Kyle Walker.

Vinicius was clearly in discomfort when he left the field, with Lucas Vazquez brought on to replace him.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted after the clash with the Premier League champions that his team have "no physical problems" ahead of El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday night.

"We are very well, we have no physical problems. We have time until Sunday. We are going to recover and it's up to us to realise that we did something very good," Ancelotti told reporters.

Real Madrid 'sweating over fitness of key player for El Clasico'

Vinicius Junior emerges as a doubt for El Clasico

However, according to Sport, Vinicius is a slight doubt for the La Liga affair against Barcelona, with the attacker needing to undergo a scan to determine whether any damage occurred.

The report claims that Real Madrid are hopeful that it was only an overload injury, which should mean that he is available to face Xavi's side in El Clasico.

Vinicius has been a vital player for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering 10 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions, including 12 goals and five assists in La Liga.

Dani Carvajal was also forced off during extra-time on Wednesday, but it is believed that the Spain international was only suffering from cramp, so he should be available this weekend.

Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Man City in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final before triumphing on penalties to book a semi-final position against German giants Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid 'sweating over fitness of key player for El Clasico'

Carlo Ancelotti hails Real Madrid's character

"Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies," Ancelotti added during his post-match press conference.

"You can't explain it. We started well, we took the lead and then we started to defend, to suffer, to qualify. We thought we would play differently, but when we took the lead we dropped the block too much. And City had more control. It always has. I think we defended very, very well.

"Madrid have done it many times. It's this badge. In the shoot-out we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game. I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.

"I am part of this group. I am very proud. This team has an extraordinary commitment, which has been forged this season with the injuries at the beginning. I think everyone is very focused on how to defend and they are doing well."

At this stage, Real Madrid have two players definitely out of the clash against Barcelona, with Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba long-term absentees due to knee injuries.

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