Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr appears to pin blame on 'crazy' football calendar after suffering injury

Real Madrid icon Vinicius Jr has blamed the packed football schedule for his injury, having injured himself during his side's 3-0 win over Leganes on Sunday. The Brazil international picked up a thigh injury, which will likely keep him out of action for around three weeks.

Vinicius Jr started in what looked like a centre-forward position in Real Madrid's visit to Leganes, while Kylian Mbappe started on the left flank in attack. The 24-year-old was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, providing the assist for Mbappe's opener, as his side cruised to a win.

Following the game, reports emerged that the Brazil international has suffered an injury, who finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings. The forward himself then took to X to complain about the football calendar while also informing fans that he is on the mend ahead of a return.

"The crazy calendar.... Time to recover! 🙏🏿"

The official report from Real Madrid indicates that the forward has injured the biceps femoris muscle of his thigh. He joins fellow Brazilian forward Rodrygo on the sidelines, further deepening the injury woes faced by Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos this season.

Vinicius Jr was in action for Brazil in faraway Salvador against Uruguay in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, playing 90 minutes. He returned to Spain on Thursday before taking to the pitch against Leganes on Sunday.

Vinicius Jr has already played 18 games for Real Madrid this season, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists for the club. He has also played four times for Brazil since the start of September, missing two games in October through injury. He has played a total of 1,882 minutes for club and country across all competitions this season.

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Endrick in line for start as Vinicius Jr gets ruled out of Real Madrid clash against Liverpool

Teenage Real Madrid forward Endrick is in line to make his second start of the season and his first since October when Los Blancos face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. The 18-year-old striker has had to be patient this season, playing only 125 minutes of football across all competitions since the start of the campaign.

Los Blancos talisman Vinicius Jr picked up an injury in their weekend win over Leganes, having started the game as the side's striker. The 24-year-old will not feature in the game against Liverpool, and with Endrick being the only other striker in the squad, the youngster may start at Anfield.

Endrick came off the bench against Leganes in the 87th minute, replacing midfielder Jude Bellingham after he scored the side's third goal. The former Palmeiras star has scored twice this season and will be keen for a chance to add to his tally.