Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti provides Vinicius Jr injury update and potential return date

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has provided an update on Vinicius Jr's injury and his potential return date. The Ballon d'Or runner-up got injured in his left hamstring, despite partaking and completing Los Blancos' 3-0 win over Leganes on November 24.

However, the club announced that he had picked up an injury, which could see him out of contention for a few weeks. He missed their Champions League outing against Liverpool on November 27 and was not part of their 2-0 win over Getafe on December 1. The Brazilian was also unavailable as Los Blancos lost 2-1 to Athletic Club in midweek.

Real Madrid are set to face Girona next, as they visit the Montilivi on December 7. While Vinicius Jr took part in their training sessions ahead of the game, he will not be available for the upcoming match. This was revealed by Carlo Ancelotti in his pre-match press conference (via Football Espana):

"Seeing Vinicius is good news, he has recovered very well. He won't be ready for tomorrow, but he will be ready for the Champions League."

After the Girona game, Real Madrid will travel to Italy next week, where they will face Atalanta in the Champions League. The game will take place at the Gewiss Stadium on December 10, and the Brazilian winger will hope he can return from injury with his name on the scoresheet.

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reveals the criticism he faces has become personal

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has questioned the criticism he has faced from the media in recent times. The Italian manager has led Los Blancos through an unimpressive season so far, as they sit in second place on the La Liga table, four points behind Barcelona.

More concerning, however, is their position in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos look to be on the verge of failing to qualify for the knockout stages, which could spell serious trouble for the manager. However, facing the media, he said (via Eurosport):

"I have to accept the criticism because the team is not at its best... That said, I think I am getting too much criticism, which could mean that you [the media] are tired of me... There are parts of it which annoy me.

"If you say I've made a bad change or picked the wrong team, that's professional. But it affects a person's identity if it touches on who you are. It's not the same to tell someone they've done something stupid or to call them stupid, it's different."

Real Madrid know that a win over Girona in their upcoming game could help them keep the pressure on Barcelona in La Liga.