Why is Vinicius not playing for Real Madrid against Oviedo?

Real Madrid is looking to keep up their momentum against Real Oviedo today and have officially announced their starting lineup, which surprisingly left one star out.

Real Madrid announce starting XI against Oviedo - Vini on bench

The game will take place today - Sunday, August 24 - at Estadio Carlos Tartiere, Oviedo, Spain. Los Blancos are fresh off a 1-0 victory over CA Osasuna and will look to keep the streak alive.

Coach Xabi Alonso announced the starting eleven, but surprisingly dropped Vinicius Junior. He’ll start on the bench, with newly signed Franco Mastantuono starting in attack along with Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo.

It could be that Alonso is opting to rotate his squad, giving key players like Vini, Éder Militão, and Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest. This will also be a good opportunity for Rodrygo to prove he belongs on the squad.

While Jude Bellingham remains out, the midfield did not change - Arda Guler will fill in for his role, alongside Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.

On defense, Alonso made one significant change, starting Dani Carvajal for his first start since his injury kept him out. Antonio Rudiger will replace Eder Militao in central defense, and will be play alongside Madrid’s two new signings, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.

Real Madrid Starting XI vs Oviedo:

• Goalkeeper: Courtois
• Defenders: Carvajal, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras
• Midfielders: Tchouameni, Valverde, Güler
• Forwards: Mastantuono, Rodrygo, Mbappé

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