Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has reportedly been given permission to skip the club’s final La Liga game of the season against Athletic Club as preparations begin for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilian star was absent from training once again on Thursday, with reports indicating that the club decided to grant him additional rest after he ended Madrid’s recent clash against Sevilla with physical discomfort.
For Real Madrid, the decision appears simple: protect one of their biggest stars ahead of a demanding international summer.
Vinicius Junior’s absence means his 2025/26 domestic campaign is effectively over, bringing an early close to another influential season in the famous white shirt.
The Brazilian remains one of Real Madrid’s most important attacking players, and with the FIFA World Cup around the corner, the club is unwilling to take unnecessary risks with his fitness.
At Sport Flame Communications, this reflects the modern reality of elite football player management has become just as important as tactics. Clubs are now thinking beyond single matches, especially when global tournaments are involved.
And when it comes to Vinicius, protecting him is protecting one of football’s biggest assets.
Vinicius is not the only major absentee troubling Carlo Ancelotti’s squad ahead of the season finale.
New signing Trent Alexander-Arnold also missed training after suffering from a viral infection similar to the illness recently affecting Dean Huijsen and Andriy Lunin.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s injury list continues to grow:
- Rodrygo remains unavailable
- Ferland Mendy is ruled out
- Eder Militao is still sidelined
- Aurelien Tchouameni remains doubtful with a shin injury
The uncertainty surrounding several key players has forced Madrid to carefully manage workloads during the final days of the campaign.
One of the biggest storylines heading into the Athletic Club clash could be Dani Carvajal.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold unavailable, the veteran defender may start what could potentially become his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu after an incredible career spanning 13 seasons and 27 trophies.
If it is indeed his farewell appearance, it would mark the end of an era for one of Real Madrid’s most loyal servants.
Amid the injury concerns, there was at least some encouraging news for Madrid supporters.
Federico Valverde returned to full training after successfully passing concussion protocols following his collision with Tchouameni in the Sevilla match.
The Uruguayan midfielder now appears likely to feature in the season finale, providing a much-needed boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
While Real Madrid prepare to close their La Liga campaign, attention is already shifting toward the FIFA World Cup in North America.
For Vinicius Junior, the focus is now recovery, preparation, and representing Brazil on football’s biggest stage.
And for Madrid fans, there is cautious optimism that giving their star winger an early break now could pay off later both for club and country.
Because sometimes, missing one game is the price of protecting a season-defining player.
