Vinícius Júnior injury update: will he play for Real Madrid against Girona in LaLiga?

The Brazilian spent a large part of Thursday’s session with the Real Madrid squad.

Real Madrid welcome high-flying Girona to the Bernabéu for a top-of-the-table clash in LaLiga this weekend. Vinícius Júnior was unable to play in the club’s last match against Atlético, which ended in a 1-1 draw, as he suffered pain in his back during the warm-up. Brahim took his place in the starting eleven and although Vinícius warmed up in the second half, he did not end up taking the field. However, the good news for Carlo Ancelotti is that Vinícius has recovered and looks set to start next Saturday’s decisive league game.

The feeling that the Brazil international has transmitted to the coaching staff after doing a large part of Thursday’s session with the squad is a positive one. The team’s physiotherapists are still working on him ahead of this weekend’s clash and it now appears that there will be no problem for him to play against Girona. The main concern, however, is obviously, the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against RB Leipzig. If there is any doubt over his fitness, Ancelotti would rest Vini against Girona, but it looks like that won’t be necessary.

Aurélien Tchouaméni will return to the team after serving a suspension in the derby and is expected to partner Antonio Rüdiger in the heart of the defence. The German recently suffered a thigh injury after a heavy blow against Getafe. Rüdiger workedin the gym and with the physios on Thursday, but he is expected to join the rest of the squad on Friday. The other player who seems certain to miss out, also with muscular problems, is Nacho.

The Madrid defence against Girona could be made up of Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal. Eduardo Camavinga will