Why is Vinicius Jr not playing for Real Madrid against Union Berlin in UCL?

Carlo Ancelotti is in the fortunate position of being able to field a changed side in the sixth and final group game of the Champions League. Real Madrid top Group C with a flawless five wins from five and booked their place in the knockout round long before tonight’s trip to Union Berlin.

In that sense, tonight’s result is irrelevant although the coach will be well aware of the unwritten law drummed into every club employee - Real Madrid always set out to win every single game, regardless of the opponent, competition or occasion.

Union Berlin - Real Madrid: Follow the live action here!

Several first team stars will be watching the game from the comfort of their homes back in Spain. Among them, Vinicius Jr, who has been out of action since suffering a thigh muscle injury while on duty with Brazil - a victim of the dreaded FIFA Virus. The winger hobbled out of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia on 17 November after just 26 minutes. He underwent a scan on his return to the Spanish capital which revealed a tear to his left hamstring - the prognosis, a two and a half month lay-off.

Training apart

The good news is that Vini’s hamstring appears to be healing quicker than medical staff had anticipated and he was seen working with the ball out on the practice pitches in Valdebebas at the end of last week. But it is unlikely that he will return to team action until the New Year - he is one of seven first team players who remain on Madrid’s casualty list: Camavinga, Carvajal, Güler, Tchouameni, Courtois and Militão all miss tonight’s clash in Berlin.

Upfront, Rodrygo will be rested and make way for Joselu who is expected to start alongside Brahim with Nico Paz playing just behind the front two.