Carlo Ancelotti has announced the accelerated recovery of Brazilian sensation Vinicius Junior from his hamstring injury. The star forward, initially expected to be sidelined until the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18, is now poised to make his return in Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Atalanta.
Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Ancelotti shared the positive development regarding his dynamic winger: “Vini has recovered from his injury very well, he will not be ready for tomorrow but he will be for the next Champions League game.” This news comes as a welcome boost for Los Blancos, who have endured a challenging European campaign with three defeats in their opening five matches, leaving them in an unusual 24th position in the group standings.
The timing of Vinicius’ return could prove crucial for Real Madrid, particularly given the recent struggles of their summer marquee signing, Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain with tremendous expectations, has found himself under increasing scrutiny after missing crucial penalties in recent defeats against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao. With ten goals in his first twenty appearances across all competitions, Mbappe’s output has fallen short of the stratospheric standards associated with his reputation.
Addressing Mbappe’s form, Ancelotti maintained a supportive stance while acknowledging the striker’s self-awareness. The French forward recently took to Instagram, pledging to “change this situation” and demonstrate his true capabilities. He is conscious of it,” Ancelotti noted, “the post he put out after the game is that of a player who knows what he is doing and also what he can do, and will do.
The Italian tactician found encouragement in Mbappe’s recent La Liga performances against Getafe and Athletic, particularly highlighting improvements in the player’s intensity and sprinting statistics. However, Ancelotti also displayed pragmatism in his approach to managing the 25-year-old’s playing time, suggesting that strategic rest might benefit the forward’s form. “We have to support him, but supporting him does not mean he has to play all the games. Sometimes it could be that a day of rest could be good for him.”
Meanwhile, the medical updates from the Madrid camp extend beyond Vinicius, with defender David Alaba making progress in his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Ancelotti indicated that the Austrian international, who has also returned to training with the team, could be available for selection in January, further strengthening Madrid’s defensive options.
The pressure mounting on Real Madrid’s recent form has not spared Ancelotti himself, who addressed the criticism directed at him with characteristic philosophical composure. Like stress, criticism is fuel to try and do better,” he remarked, acknowledging the need to accept some of the scrutiny while maintaining focus on improvement.
As Real Madrid prepares for Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Girona, the imminent return of Vinicius Junior represents more than just the recovery of a key player. It symbolizes hope for a turnaround in their Champions League fortunes and potentially the catalyst needed to reignite Mbappe’s form. The Brazilian’s creativity and dynamism could provide the spark that Madrid has missed in recent weeks, while also potentially alleviating some of the pressure on his French teammate.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Real Madrid as they attempt to balance domestic commitments with European ambitions, all while managing the integration of returning players and the form of their superstar acquisition. With Vinicius’ earlier-than-expected return, Ancelotti’s side might just have received the boost they need to navigate this challenging period and return to their customary position among Europe’s elite.
