Champions League
Unreliable Vinicius Jr strikes again for Ancelotti
Real Madrid will be without Vinicius Jr for their Champions League game against Brest - why is he not playing?
![Real Madrid will be without Vinicius Jr for their Champions League game against Brest - why is he not playing?](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/CYHAGZ7GPZD4ZCM7L4ZFHRSAN4.jpg?auth=3ce6b812e452cde00c0208eafbd0094d93481f4847ad2487a98da217626d7071&width=360&height=203&smart=true)
Real Madrid are once again without Vinicius Jr this season - and this might just be the most important game of them all.
The Brazilian winger has not been available in 8 important games (Liverpool, Getafe, Athletic Club, Girona, Sevilla, Las Palmas, Valladolid) this campaign across the league and Champions League, with various reasons behind the absences.
Why is Vinicius Jr not playing for Real Madrid against Brest in the Champions League?
No, Vini Jr is not injured. He is, however, suspended for the key clash in the Champions League against Brest after receiving an avoidable yellow card in the game against RB Salzburg.
Real Madrid confirmed starting XI against Brest
As a result, Ancelotti has had to alter his formation and deal with the hole that a player of his calibre leaves in the side, with attacker Brahim Díaz taking his place in the lineup.
Over recent games, Real Madrid have shone without their Brazilian star in the side. He has also been suspended in LaLiga due to a red card he received against Valencia and since then, it must be said, Real Madrid have been in furious form, with Kylian Mbappé in particular thriving in a role off the left side.
It remains to be seen what happens long term with the Brazilian at the club, as Saudi Arabian rumours are incessant at this time, although it is generally thought that the player could stay at the Spanish club into next season given his positive relationship with both the rest of the squad, the fans, and the hierarchy in the Spanish capital.
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