Vinicius drops out of Madrid squad for Atletico derby clash

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was ruled out of the derby clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday just hours before the match in LaLiga.

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday the Brazilian winger would be in the squad for the first time after a hamstring injury as he was training well, but that Madrid would take no risks with him.

"Vinicius Junior, last-minute absentee from the squad," wrote Madrid on social media network X, formerly Twitter.

?? Vini Jr. has dropped out of our matchday squad for #AtletiRealMadrid. pic.twitter.com/9kjw0cfWaw — Real Madrid C.F. ???????? (@realmadriden) September 24, 2023

Spanish media reported Vinicius's absence was because of stomach problems rather than related to his hamstring recovery.

Vinicius last played for Madrid, who hold a 100 per cent record, against Celta Vigo on 25 August, when he suffered the injury.