Vinicius Junior is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines (Picture: Getty Images)
Real Madrid have confirmed that Vinicius Junior has suffered a significant hamstring injury which is likely to keep him out of action for around 10 weeks.
The 23-year-old was in international duty with Brazil this week, but lasted less than half an hour of the clash with Colombia, taken off 27 minutes in.
Brazil went on to suffer a surprise 2-1 defeat to the Colombians and there has been more bad news for Vinicius after his club confirmed the diagnosis of his injury.
A statement from the club read: ‘Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a tear in his left femoral bicep which is affecting the tendon in his hamstring. His recovery will be monitored.’
The Athletic report that the forward is likely to be out for around 10 weeks due to the thigh problem, meaning he may not be back until the end of January.
It is a huge blow to both Real Madrid and Brazil, who take on Argentina next week in World Cup qualifying.
In an Instagram post, Vinicius Junior wrote: ‘We will return stronger.’
The former Flamengo superstar has become an integral player for Real Madrid in recent years, already racking up 238 appearances for the Spanish giants long before his 24th birthday.
He has scored six goals in all competitions so far this season over 13 appearances, hoping to match his best goal-scoring season so far in the last campaign when he netted 23 times.
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