Brazil’s national football team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their October World Cup qualifiers, as two of their key players, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao, have been ruled out due to injuries.
Both players, who represent Spanish giants Real Madrid, will miss Brazil’s fixtures against Chile and Peru, with the squad forced to find replacements. Their absences are a major concern for Brazil, as the team looks to continue their strong form in the qualifiers.
Additionally, Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will also be absent from Ukraine’s Nations League matches due to a viral infection. These absences leave both club and country facing challenges in their respective campaigns.
Vinicius Junior’s Neck Injury: A Timely Caution
Vinicius Junior, one of the brightest attacking talents for both Real Madrid and Brazil, sustained a neck injury during Madrid’s La Liga victory over Villarreal. The 24-year-old forward, who had scored earlier in the match, was substituted in the 79th minute at the Bernabeu due to discomfort. Subsequent medical assessments confirmed a “cervical injury” that prompted Real Madrid’s medical staff to recommend against him joining Brazil for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Traveling long distances while dealing with a neck injury was deemed risky, and the decision to withdraw Vinicius from Brazil’s squad was made to ensure he fully recovers before returning to action. Despite the setback, sources close to the player suggest that he should be fit to return for Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo on October 19. In the meantime, Fulham’s Andreas Pereira has been called up to replace Vinicius in the Brazil squad.
Vinicius has been a key figure for Real Madrid this season, contributing four goals and seven assists in 12 appearances across all competitions. His creativity and attacking flair will be sorely missed by both club and country during this period.
Eder Militao’s Muscle Strain: Defensive Concerns for Brazil
Adding to Brazil’s injury woes, Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has also been ruled out of October’s international fixtures due to a muscle injury. Militao, who came on as a substitute during Madrid’s victory over Villarreal, experienced discomfort in his left thigh shortly after his introduction in the 70th minute. After undergoing medical tests in São Paulo, a small muscle injury was detected, ruling him out of Brazil’s games against Chile and Peru.
Militao’s injury comes at a challenging time for Brazil, as the 26-year-old defender has been a crucial part of their defensive setup. His absence will force Brazil to make adjustments at the back, with Flamengo’s Fabricio Bruno stepping in as his replacement. For Real Madrid, Militao’s injury adds to an ever-growing list of sidelined players, leaving the club’s defense stretched thin ahead of their upcoming matches.
Andriy Lunin’s Viral Infection: A Setback for Ukraine
Compounding Real Madrid’s international absence woes, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) confirmed that goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will miss his country’s Nations League fixtures against Georgia on October 11 and the Czech Republic on October 14. Lunin has been sidelined due to a viral infection, which will keep him from featuring for Ukraine during this crucial period.
Lunin’s absence is a blow for Ukraine as they aim to continue their Nations League campaign, and it adds to Real Madrid’s growing list of unavailable players. While Lunin’s role at Madrid is often overshadowed by first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, his international experience is valuable for Ukraine, making this a setback for both the player and his national team.
Brazil’s Replacements: Pereira and Bruno Called to Action
In response to the double injury setback, the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) moved swiftly to find suitable replacements. Andreas Pereira of Fulham has been drafted in to replace Vinicius Junior, while Flamengo’s Fabricio Bruno will fill the void left by Militao in defense. Both players bring their own set of skills to the table, but their inclusion underscores the depth of Brazil’s talent pool.
Pereira, who has impressed in the Premier League, offers versatility and creativity in the attacking midfield role, while Bruno, a solid and dependable central defender, will be tasked with shoring up Brazil’s defense in Militao’s absence.
Upcoming Challenges for Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s medical room is growing increasingly crowded as the season progresses. In addition to the injuries sustained by Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao, the club has also lost key players like Dani Carvajal, who suffered a long-term knee injury, Brahim Diaz, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. This series of injuries has become a point of frustration for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has voiced concerns about the demanding fixture schedule.
Ahead of an intense run of matches, which includes games against Celta Vigo in La Liga, Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and a highly anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona on October 26, Ancelotti is facing a selection headache. The coach has already criticized the crowded fixture list, blaming it for the physical toll it is taking on his squad.
“The dressing room is sad and worried,” Ancelotti admitted following Carvajal’s injury. “It’s because of the calendar. And it has happened to a very important player for us.”
The loss of Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao is a significant setback for both Brazil and Real Madrid. As Brazil prepares to face Chile and Peru in crucial World Cup qualifiers, they will have to adapt without two of their star players. For Real Madrid, the focus will be on managing a growing injury crisis as they navigate a demanding schedule filled with key domestic and European matches. The hope for both club and country is that these players can return to full fitness soon and continue making vital contributions on the pitch.
When is Real Madrid’s next match?
Real Madid will face Celta Vigo away from home on Sunday, October 20 at 12:30 am (IST).
