The winger was substituted before the first half ended in the 2-1 loss to Colombia on Thursday due to a thigh issue, despite managing to assist Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli early in the game. In preparation for the crucial match against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Tuesday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed Vinicius’s withdrawal from the squad.
Struggling with thigh and hamstring problems this season, the Real Madrid star has returned to his club, prioritizing his long-term fitness over immediate commitments to the national team. Consequently, he will be absent from the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Argentina, a significant setback for Brazil, who urgently need a win against the World Cup holders. While Lionel Messi’s team leads the South American qualifying pool with 12 points, Brazil sits fifth with only seven points.
Expressing determination, Vini Jr posted on social media: “We will come back stronger.”
The duration of Vinicius’s absence remains uncertain, causing concern for both his club and country regarding his recovery. Brazil’s upcoming match against Argentina marks their final 2026 World Cup qualifier for almost a year, with their next scheduled fixture being a friendly against England in March.
Vinicius Junior
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
This season he played in total 10 times for 711 minutes for La Liga.
Vinicius Junior scored 4 goals for Real Madrid. He procured one assist. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in La Liga. In the last match Real Madrid won 5-1 against Valencia.
Real Madrid performance and stats
Real Madrid is currently 2nd in the La Liga with 32 points.
In the last 13 games, it has won 10 times, drawn twice, and lost once. In its last match, Real Madrid won 5-1 against Valencia.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 28 goals and conceding 9.