Why didn’t Vinícius play for Real Madrid against Atlético? Is he injured? Will he play against Girona?

Real Madrid haven’t had their injuries to seek this season, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and central defenders Eder Militão and David Alaba the long-term faces in the treatment room. A number of others have been in and out, with key man Vinícius Júnior at the centre of an injury storm minutes before kickoff in Sunday’s derby against Atlético Madrid.

What injury did the Brazilian suffer in the warm-up?

The Brazilian winger was initially named in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line-up but had to be replaced at the 11th hour after heading off down the tunnel before completing his warm-up. The initial suggestion was that Joselu would be his replacement but Brahím Díaz ultimately took his place and produced a sparkling performance which included the opening goal in the 20th minute.

Rather than drop out altogether, though, Vinícius was listed as a substitute, with Ancelotti revealing after the game the 23-year-old had wanted to play but felt some pain in his neck. He was seen warming up during the second half, in which Marcos Llorente scored an injury-time equaliser, but didn’t come on.

Vinícius boost ahead of Girona and Champions League games

According to journalist Anton Meana of Spanish radio station Cadena SER, the treatment Vini received relieved some of the pain and he is expected to be available to face Girona in next weekend’s top-of-the table clash, despite not training on Monday. Madrid remain two points clear of the Catalans after both were held to draws in their last outings before they go head to head at the Bernabéu on Saturday 10 February (kick-off at 12:30 p.m. ET).

Vinícius has missed 11 matches in all competitions so far this season because of hamstring and thigh issues, although it doesn’t appear as if this latest injury will keep him on the sidelines, a huge boost to Ancelotti with the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 tie against RB Leipzig coming up on Tuesday 13 February.