Real Madrid’s hopes of clinching the LaLiga title suffered another setback on Monday, following injury blows to Vinícius Júnior and Lucas Vázquez, and growing uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to take charge of Brazil’s national team.
Both players picked up injuries during Los Blancos’ dramatic 4-3 loss to Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico, a defeat that widened Barça’s lead to seven points with only three matches remaining in the league season.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Monday that Ancelotti will officially assume his role as Brazil’s coach starting May 26, the day LaLiga concludes.
However, Real Madrid has not yet formally confirmed the Italian’s departure.
In an official medical update, the club revealed, “Following tests carried out today on Vinícius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left ankle. His recovery will be monitored.”
The club also disclosed that Vázquez sustained “an injury to the pectineus muscle in his left thigh.”
Despite his injury, Vinícius managed to set up two goals for Kylian Mbappé during the match at Montjuïc, with the Frenchman netting a hat trick.
However, those efforts were not enough to avoid defeat. Vinícius eventually came off in the 88th minute after trying to push through the pain, giving way to youngster Victor Muñoz, who later squandered a key chance to equalize.
Vázquez, meanwhile, was taken off in the 84th minute after an error led to Barcelona’s decisive fourth goal. He was replaced by Endrick.
With Madrid now facing an uphill battle in the title race, their midweek clash against Mallorca on Wednesday takes on added urgency, while Barcelona could potentially secure the title when they visit Espanyol on Thursday.