Sports
UCL: Vinícius Júnior Set For Early Return Ahead Of Atalanta Clash
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Vinicius Junior is recovering faster than expected and will return from injury in time to face Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Brazilian winger sustained a hamstring injury in November, initially projected to sideline him until the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18. However, Vinicius resumed training on Friday, prompting Ancelotti to announce that while he will miss Saturday’s La Liga clash against Girona, he will be ready for the crucial European fixture next week.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Electricity Meter Costs Rise Again As Deregulation Takes Effect
- Biden, Harris Set To Congratulate Trump On Presidential Win
- Thousands Of ‘Trained’ Combatants Ready To Fight Israel – Hezbollah Chief
“Vini has recovered from his injury very well,” Ancelotti stated during a press conference on Friday. “He won’t be available for tomorrow, but he will be ready for the next Champions League game.”
Vinicius’ return provides a significant boost for a Real Madrid side struggling in Europe this season, with three losses in their opening five group-stage matches leaving them 24th in the standings.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti also offered an update on defender David Alaba, who has been recovering from a long-term knee injury. The Austrian has returned to training but is expected to be match-fit by January.
In Vinicius’ absence, the spotlight has shifted to summer signing Kylian Mbappé, whose form has come under scrutiny. The French striker, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, has scored 10 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions but has faced criticism for missed penalties in recent losses to Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao.
Addressing his struggles, Mbappé took to Instagram, vowing to “change this situation” and deliver performances that reflect his true potential.
“He is conscious (of it), 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,” said Ancelotti.
“Obviously we’re with him, he’s not at his best level, but there are many players who are not at their best levels and don’t know it — he does know it.”
Ancelotti said he was encouraged by Mbappe’s performances in recent La Liga matches against Getafe and Athletic.
“In the last couple of games in terms of intensity he improved a lot,” said the coach, citing Mbappe’s sprinting statistics.
FURTHER READING
- Hezbollah Launches 120 Projectiles From Lebanon Into Israel
- Full List of Chief of Army Staff Who Died in Office
- ECOWAS Court Partners ICRC To Domesticate International Humanitarian Law
However Ancelotti accepted resting the 25-year-old might also help him at some point.
“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.”
The coach felt he himself was also being attacked too much over Madrid’s recent form, although admitted he had “to accept” some criticism.
“Like stress, criticism is fuel to try and do better,” added Ancelotti.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
