Monumental blow for Real Madrid as Vinicius Junior out for 10 WEEKS after suffering torn hamstring on Brazil duty

Vinicius Junior is facing 10 weeks out after being forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against rivals Argentina.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Winger forced off against Colombia
• Has suffered serious hamstring injury
• Brazil face Argentina on Tuesday

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Real Madrid winger was withdrawn inside half an hour of the 2-1 defeat to Colombia on Thursday night with a thigh complaint, although he was still on the pitch long enough to provide an early assist for Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli. With a crucial game coming up against Lionel Messi's Argentina on Tuesday, Vinicius has withdrawn from the squad and his club have confirmed that he has suffered a torn hamstring.

Advertisement

• Staff Images/CBF
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , the 23-year-old faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed the extent of the injury, meaning he will not play again in 2023. That absence includes the clash with arch-rivals Argentina, with Brazil in dire need of a victory against the World Cup holders. Lionel Messi and Co. top the South American qualifying pool with 12 points, while the Selecao are lagging behind in fifth with just seven points. As for the implications on Madrid, Vinicius could miss as many as 12 matches, including both their final Champions League group-stage matches and the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid on January 10.

• WHAT VINICIUS SAID

  Following his withdrawal, Vini Jr wrote on social media: "We will return stronger."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT REAL MADRID SAID

  A statement from Real Madrid read: "Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a tear in his left femoral bicep which is affecting the tendon in his hamstring. His recovery will be monitored."