Vinicius Junior hands Real Madrid injury blow

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is a major doubt for the club’s upcoming clash with Mallorca after picking up an ankle injury during Sunday’s El Clasico.

Barcelona edged closer to the La Liga title with a thrilling 4-3 victory over their fierce rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Raphinha scored twice, while Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal also found the net, dealing a significant blow to Real Madrid’s title hopes.

Vinicius Jr was forced off in the 88th minute with an ankle injury and was replaced by Víctor Munoz.

According to journalist Rubén Martín, the 24-year-old has undergone initial tests, which revealed a Grade 2 sprain.

Martín adds that the Brazilian is unlikely to be fit in time for Madrid’s crucial midweek fixture against Mallorca on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in his first-ever El Clasico appearance, taking his tally to 38 goals this season – more than any Real Madrid player has scored in their debut campaign at the club.

While the Mallorca match is a must-win for Ancelotti’s men to keep their faint title hopes alive, Barcelona could mathematically secure the league title with a win over Espanyol the following day.

Vinícius Jr., whose current contract runs until 2027, joined Real Madrid from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2018.

Since then, he has scored 105 goals in 314 appearances across all competitions.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s best players, Vinícius appears set to remain with Madrid for the long term amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.