Real Madrid’s successful start to the new La Liga campaign continued with a victory over Celta Vigo, featuring another pivotal goal from Jude Bellingham. Nonetheless, the triumph came with a bitter pill to swallow, as Vinicius Jr. suffered an injury setback that could sideline him for a substantial period.
The Brazilian winger’s misfortune unfolded a mere 18 minutes into the game, necessitating his early substitution. Initial evaluations from Real Madrid’s medical team indicate damage to the right biceps femoris muscle, warranting close monitoring of his recovery progress.
As reported by Marca, Vinicius Jr. might be sidelined until early October, projecting his absence from several key matches. The upcoming fixtures that he is likely to miss include battles against Getafe, Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, Las Palmas, and Girona in La Liga, as well as two Champions League clashes in September and October.
🚨❌ 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Real Madrid confirm Viní Jr (23) has sustained an injury to the right biceps femoris muscle, following a series of medical tests.
The forward was forced off the pitch 18 minutes in during the game vs Celta. pic.twitter.com/PXEXI8xCTh
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 28, 2023
This setback poses a significant challenge for Real Madrid, compounded by a string of injuries affecting key players such as Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos. The team has also been grappling with offensive gaps due to Karim Benzema’s departure and the inability to secure Kylian Mbappe‘s signing.
The blow is particularly heavy for Real Madrid, given Vinicius Jr.’s impactful performance in the previous season, where he tallied an impressive 23 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches. This injury marks a substantial setback, testing the team’s depth and adaptability during a crucial stretch of the season.
Manchester United offers Anthony Martial to Real Madrid as a replacement for the injured Vinicius Jr.
The transfer rumor mill has swiftly sprung into action following Vinicius Jr.’s injury setback, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Manchester United has offered Anthony Martial to Real Madrid.
According to the report, Manchester United has proposed a loan arrangement with the option to subsequently make the transfer permanent. This proposition stems from the English club’s perception of the French striker as surplus to requirements, particularly after acquiring Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta during the summer.
Vinicius Jr adds to Real Madrid’s growing injury list this season 🤕 pic.twitter.com/EkxcaDDKpe
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 28, 2023
In this context, Anthony Martial emerges as a cost-effective interim solution for Real Madrid, akin to the recent acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was signed as a replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Nonetheless, an essential consideration pertains to Martial’s recent form, which has left much to be desired over the past several seasons. His performance yielded just nine goals throughout the entirety of the previous season. Furthermore, concerns are heightened by his injury record, with the player missing 27 games due to five distinct injuries in the preceding season.
With the transfer window concluding at the end of August, Real Madrid faces the impending need to make a judicious decision, weighed against both their current circumstances and long-term prospects.