Real Madrid are facing an extra injury concern ahead of the October international break following an update on Vinicius Junior.
Los Blancos head into the international window with their La Liga unbeaten record intact so far this season but veteran defender Dani Carvajal is unlikely to feature again in 2024/25.
The experienced full-back was stretchered off in agony in added time, as Real Madrid edged out a 2-0 win over Villarreal, with later tests confirming a triple knee ligament rupture.
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Carlo Ancelotti will now begin planning without the 32-year-old but Vinicius Jr's absence is not expected to be long-term.
Vinicius Junior injury latest, return date
Real Madrid's official news on Vinicius Jr was a simple statement indicating a 'cervical injury' with little more detail.
Ancelotti confirmed his No.7 had to leave the pitch in the closing stages of the Villarreal win and Real Madrid fans will now await more details.
Reports from Spanish outlet Marca indicate the overall prognosis is positive and the club are confident on a 'speedy recovery'.
The 24-year-old has already withdrawn from international duty with Brazil, with Fulham's Andreas Pereira called up as a replacement, but there is optimism he could be fit for Real Madrid's next game at Celta Vigo on October 19.
Vinicius Junior games missed
Despite Real Madrid's lack of detail on the injury and Vinicius' expected recovery, he could potentially not miss any club games, but will sit out Brazil's crunch FIFA 2026 World Cup double header.
The Samba Boys head to Chile on October 10, before hosting Peru in Brasilia five days later, and Vinicius Jr looks certain to miss both matches.
Brazil are currently fifth in the CONMEBOL rankings for the 2026 tournament, after eight games played, with only the top six teams gaining an automatic qualification spot.
Vinicius Junior injury record at Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr suffered a serious knee injury in his debut 2018/19 campaign in Madrid, which sidelined him for three months,
Since then, his only major absence came last season, from mid-November until January, due to a torn thigh muscle.
In total, he has missed around 30 games for club and country since the start of 2018/19.
