Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior injured in UCL game

Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that striker Vinícius Júnior has suffered a left hamstring injury that will see him miss the team’s crucial Champions League leg of a trip to Liverpool on Wednesday.

Sources told ESPN that Madrid are hoping the Brazil international will be out for three to four weeks.

The 24-year-old Vinícius played all 90 minutes of his team’s 3-0 league win over Leganés. There was no indication from Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the game that Vinícius was injured.

The winger went on social media After the news broke, he described the football calendar as “crazy”.

Vinícius only returned to Madrid on Thursday after starting Brazil’s draws with Venezuela and Uruguay during the international break.

“Mbappé was fresher than Vinícius,” Ancelotti admitted after Sunday’s game. “He scored the goal very well after a fantastic assist from Vini. Little by little they both get better.”

Vinícius, who swapped positions with Kylian Mbappé in Madrid’s attack on Sunday, will miss several games, including Wednesday’s clash at Liverpool.

Madrid go into Wednesday’s game at Anfield needing a win, having lost twice in four Champions League games so far.

Los Blancoswho are second in LaLiga, four points behind leaders Barcelona but still have a game in hand, are also due to play in the FIFA Club World Cup next month.

Mbappé, who was assisted by Vinícius for Madrid’s first goal on Sunday, spoke of his growing partnership with the Brazilian striker.

“Vini Jr. and I got along very well,” he said.

“I have a great relationship with him and he is a great player. The best players are here and we are ready to win a lot of games and trophies.”

Vinícius has scored 12 goals and assisted eight more in 18 league games for Madrid this season.

Information from ESPN’s Gustavo Hofman and Rodrigo Faez contributed to this report.