Why is Vinicius Jr. not playing for Real Madrid against Espanyol?
Carlo Ancelotti has named his team to face RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu with no sign of the former Flamengo player.
The Real Madrid starting line-up has been announced as kick-off looms at the Santiago Bernabeu where ‘Los Blancos’ face Espanyol in the 2024-25 LaLiga season with Ancelotti’s side hoping to apply pressure on leaders FC Barcelona who are in action on Sunday.
There were a few raised eyebrows when the team news was confirmed with Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior named as part of the Madrid substitutes with Ancelotti opting to use Arda Guler, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé as part of his strikeforce for the clash against ‘Los Pericos’.
📋✅ Our starting XI!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 21, 2024
🆚 @RCDEspanyol_EN#RealMadridEspanyol pic.twitter.com/TJ5XiTRJ8h
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There, however is no cause for concern for Madridistas as the Italian coach is simply using the matchday six clash as an opportunity to rotate his squad with games coming thick and fast and between league games, UEFA Super Cup and last Tuesday’s Champions League clash against VFB Stuttgart, the Brazilian has played over 600 minutes of football and is taking a well earned rest.
Real Madrid have another LaLiga game on the horizon as they welcome Deportivo Alaves next Tuesday at the Bernabeu and then travel the short distance to San Blas to face city rivals Atletico Madrid next Sunday.