Vinicius Jr hits out after Real Madrid injury hands Liverpool Champions League boost

Vinicius Junior has hit out at UEFA and other competition organisers over the heavily-congested fixture schedule. It comes after the Real Madrid attacker was ruled out for three weeks, meaning therefore he is unable to face Liverpool in the Champions League this week.

Celebrations of Liverpool's extended lead of the Premier League were short, not only because Mohamed Salah dropped a contract bombshell after winning the match for his side but because the Champions League is back again on Wednesday.

The fifth of eight league phase fixtures sees Real Madrid visit the Reds, who also top the standings in that competition, at Anfield.

READ MORE: 'Very disappointed' Jamie Carragher slams Mohamed Salah after Liverpool contract bombshell dropped

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola suffers fresh injury nightmare blow ahead of Liverpool vs Man City

Including the 2018 and 2022 finals, Jurgen Klopp was never able to conjure a victory against this specific opponent. Now it will be down to Arne Slot to do so, and his side will benefit from not having to deal with 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up Vini Jr.

It was confirmed in a statement from the Spanish club that the scorer of the Paris final's winning goal suffered a new hamstring problem playing against Leganes on Sunday that will sideline him for three weeks. Replying on X, he wrote: "The crazy calendar……… TO RECOVER!," followed by the praying hands emoji.

The Brazilian has already made 22 appearances so far in all competitions for club and country in the 2024/25 term, which began in August. His season could yet end 11 months after that in July 2025 were Real Madrid to advance to the later rounds of the new FIFA Club World Cup.

He follows other professional footballers such as team-mate Dani Carvajal and Manchester City's Rodri - both who have suffered season-ending ACL injuries - in criticising the amount of matches they are expected to play.

In Vini Jr's absence, Carlo Ancelotti brings a threadbare attack force to Anfield. The only four named in his squad are Kylian Mbappe, Endrick, Brahim, Gonzalo Garcia.

They boast a strong midfield, though again their defence has been ravaged by injury as Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are the only two regular starters who are available.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has returned in time to visit Liverpool.