Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, a key player for Real Madrid, will be absent from his national team's upcoming match against Argentina due to a muscular injury in his left thigh. The injury occurred during the match against Colombia (1-2), as announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation on Friday.
In an official statement, the Brazilian Football Confederation stated that the 23-year-old star underwent examinations that confirmed the injury in the posterior left thigh muscle. Vinicius, a crucial element in Brazil's attacking lineup, will be sidelined for the crucial clash against arch-rivals Argentina, the reigning champions of the 2022 World Cup, in Rio de Janeiro next Tuesday.
Earlier, Vinicius had hinted that the prospects of being ready for the Argentina match were not favorable, stating after Brazil's loss in Parana: "Based on what the doctors told me, it will be somewhat difficult." The Brazilian forward left the field in the 27th minute of the match when his team was leading 1-0.
He added, "I think it's the same previous injury. I felt pain in the back part of my thigh."
This setback comes after Vinicius was sidelined for a month last August due to an injury in his right thigh during a La Liga match with Real Madrid. He also missed Brazil's first two matches in the South American qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru in September.
The Brazilian national team, currently in fifth place in the standings, will face Argentina, who tops the qualifiers, on Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will also be without key players such as goalkeeper Ederson, defender Danilo, midfielder and captain Casemiro, and star striker Neymar, all sidelined due to injuries.
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