Real Madrid had a poor run of injuries at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
Having already lost goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao for the season to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, they then faced the prospect of losing one of the world's most prolific and talented attacking players for an extended period of time.
Vinicius Jr. was forced out of Brazil's defeat in Colombia on November 17 after 27 minutes with a hamstring problem. It is the second such injury for the player, who pulled up with an issue 18 minutes into Madrid's La Liga match against Celta Vigo on August 25 and missed four subsequent games.
The 23-year-old's absence will weakened the Madrid attack during a busy run at the end of 2023, but he returned ahead of schedule in January to give Carlo Ancelotti a major boost in Los Blancos' quest for trophies.
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What was Vinicius Jr's injury?
After Vinicius Jr was replaced by Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro against Colombia, Madrid issued an update following tests by their medical team.
"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 club said.
Vinicius Jr returns ahead of schedule
Initially thought to be just a six-week layoff, Vinicius saw his return pushed back thanks to "distal tendon involvement", which held up his recovery. The Athletic reported that Vinicius believed he would be forced to miss up to two months, but he started the match against RCD Mallorca on January 3. He should now be available to compete in the Supercopa de Espana later in the month.
The news is positive as Vinicius should have plenty of time to get back into form before Real Madrid's meeting with RB Leipzig in the Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg set for February 13.
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What matches did Vinicius Jr miss with hamstring injury?
In total, Vinicius' hamstring injury saw him miss seven matches for Real Madrid and Brazil's home World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina.
Games Vinicius Jr missed
| Team | Date | Competition | Opponent | Result |
| Brazil | Nov. 22, 2023 | WC qualifying | Argentina | L 0-1 |
| Real Madrid | Nov. 26, 2023 | La Liga | Cadiz | W 3-0 |
| Real Madrid | Nov. 29, 2023 | Champions League | Napoli | W 4-2 |
| Real Madrid | Dec. 2, 2023 | La Liga | Granada | W 2-0 |
| Real Madrid | Dec. 9, 2023 | La Liga | Real Betis | D 1-1 |
| Real Madrid | Dec. 12, 2023 | Champions League | Union Berlin | W 3-2 |
| Real Madrid | Dec. 17, 2023 | La Liga | Villarreal | W 4-1 |
| Real Madrid | Dec. 21, 2023 | La Liga | Alaves | W 1-0 |