Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr is set to feature in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Manchester City.
The Brazilian winger returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban incurred from receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in a previous fixture against Osasuna.
Vinicius Jr – The Victim of Racial Abuse
Vinicius Jr. has been the subject of racial abuse throughout the season prompting emotional responses from him including tears while on international duty with Brazil.
His on-field behaviour has also drawn scrutiny with incidents such as clashes with RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban in the Champions League and skirmishes with Spain’s Aymeric Laporte and Alvaro Morata during a friendly match.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended Vinicius labeling him as the “most persecuted player in history” while also acknowledging the need for improvement in his attitude.
However, Villarreal legend Dani Parejo has criticized Vinicius’s behavior urging him to focus on his football and not allow opposing fans and players to provoke him.
Despite the off-field challenges Vinicius Jr. is expected to play a key role for Real Madrid as they aim to navigate through the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Also Read: Eder Militao returns for Real Madrid after ACL injury
Real Madrid and Man City Injury Update Ahead of UCL QF
Manchester City and Real Madrid are closely monitoring the fitness of key players ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash next month. Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is suspected to have suffered an ankle injury, raising concerns about his availability.
The upcoming duel between Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid marks their third consecutive campaign encounter in the Champions League.
Last season, Manchester City emerged victorious over the La Liga giants in the semi-finals, securing their inaugural Champions League title.
Since then, Manchester City have remained undefeated in European competition, except for a narrow defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu in May 2022.
Manchester City faces potential setbacks with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Matheus Nunes, all facing suspected injuries sustained during recent international friendlies.
Additionally, goalkeeper Ederson missed Brazil’s international duty due to a muscular injury.
Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish were sidelined from their national teams’ squads due to injury concerns. But the duo looked fine in the English Champions’ recent clash against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are grappling with their own fitness dilemma, as Eduardo Camavinga suffered a suspected ankle injury during France’s international friendly against Chile.
The 21-year-old midfielder’s premature withdrawal raises doubts about his availability for at least two weeks, potentially impacting Real Madrid’s preparations for the crucial Champions League clash.
With the first leg scheduled for April 9th at Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium and the return leg on April 17th at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, both teams are navigating through the challenges posed by injuries.
As the anticipated encounter draws closer, the teams are striving to ensure their key players are fit and ready for the high-stakes showdown.