Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior hits out at 'crazy calendar' after injury blow

The Real Madrid winger has been ruled out for a month with a left hamstring strain, forcing him to miss key fixtures, including Wednesday's Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

Shortly after the diagnosis, Vinicius took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent with the packed calendar. "The crazy calendar⦠time to recover!" he posted, accompanied by a praying hands emoji.

The Brazilian played the entirety of Real Madrid's recent match against Leganes, where he failed to find the net despite his relentless efforts. While manager Carlo Ancelotti opted to rest Kylian Mbappe in the final 10 minutes, Vinicius remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, pushing for a breakthrough.

He showed no signs of injury during the game but reported discomfort in the dressing room afterward.

Medical tests conducted the following morning confirmed the worst: a recurrence of a hamstring issue that has plagued Vinicius in the past.

The 23-year-old experienced similar injuries twice last season, raising concerns about the physical toll of his explosive playing style and the demands of a packed fixture list.

The Brazilian's dynamic style relies heavily on his pace and agility, which can make him more susceptible to muscle fatigue and injuries. With players increasingly vocal about the intensity of modern football schedules, Vinicius's case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding player welfare.

Real Madrid will now have to navigate crucial matches without their star winger, whose absence could significantly impact their attacking options. As the debate over fixture congestion intensifies, Vinicius's injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll elite footballers endure.

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