NEW DELHI: Vinicius Juniorwho unfortunately suffered racial abuse last weekend, will be out for a second game in a row with a knee problem, as Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday.
The 22-year-old Brazilian winger has garnered widespread support from around the world following the incident of racial abuse by Valencia fans in a recent game.
Vinicius was unable to feature in Madrid’s midweek win against Rayo Vallecano due to knee discomfort. However, his teammates showed their solidarity by wearing his number 20 jersey before the game.
Unfortunately, the knee problem persisted, preventing his return for Saturday’s away game against Sevillewho are currently Europa League finalists.
Although he missed the opportunity to contribute on the pitch, Vinicius continues to receive support from his club, teammates and fans as he navigates through this difficult time.
“Vinicius won’t travel because he won’t play, he would go if he had the chance to play (but) his knee is still giving him problems,” Ancelotti told a press conference in Madrid on Friday.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s home or away, he can’t play. I hope he can play in the last game.”
Vinicius was sent off against Valencia but his ban was later overturned by the Spanish Football Federation’s competition committee.
A group of Sevilla supporters are encouraging supporters to protest against Real Madrid and its president Florentino Perez over the decision to wave white handkerchiefs during the game.
President of La Liga Javier Tebas apologized to Vinicius on Thursday after appearing to criticize him on Twitter for his complaints about Spain’s top flight belonging to “racists”.
“I didn’t want to criticize Vinicius,” Tebas told reporters.
The 22-year-old Brazilian winger has garnered widespread support from around the world following the incident of racial abuse by Valencia fans in a recent game.
Vinicius was unable to feature in Madrid’s midweek win against Rayo Vallecano due to knee discomfort. However, his teammates showed their solidarity by wearing his number 20 jersey before the game.
Unfortunately, the knee problem persisted, preventing his return for Saturday’s away game against Sevillewho are currently Europa League finalists.
Although he missed the opportunity to contribute on the pitch, Vinicius continues to receive support from his club, teammates and fans as he navigates through this difficult time.
“Vinicius won’t travel because he won’t play, he would go if he had the chance to play (but) his knee is still giving him problems,” Ancelotti told a press conference in Madrid on Friday.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s home or away, he can’t play. I hope he can play in the last game.”
Vinicius was sent off against Valencia but his ban was later overturned by the Spanish Football Federation’s competition committee.
A group of Sevilla supporters are encouraging supporters to protest against Real Madrid and its president Florentino Perez over the decision to wave white handkerchiefs during the game.
President of La Liga Javier Tebas apologized to Vinicius on Thursday after appearing to criticize him on Twitter for his complaints about Spain’s top flight belonging to “racists”.
“I didn’t want to criticize Vinicius,” Tebas told reporters.
“My frustration was my mistake. I understand that Vinicius is frustrated because he doesn’t understand the division of powers (to deal with racism), but I’m also frustrated because I know that and there’s no no penalties.”
Ancelotti said Madrid are also without Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio along with other injury issues.
Los Blancos are second in the table, one point ahead of city rivals Atletico.
10th-placed Sevilla still have a chance of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Conference League, one point behind seventh-placed Osasuna.
(With AFP inputs)
