MX23RW : Tuesday, May 21 05:23:13| >> :120:24208:24208:

Zinedine Zidane rules out January exit for Vinicius Junior

Zinedine Zidane rules out January exit for Vinicius Junior
© Reuters
The teenage Brazilian forward has seen his game time at the Bernabeu limited this season.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has ruled out a January loan move for Vinicius Junior.

The teenage Brazilian forward has seen his game time limited this season and has not started a match for Los Blancos since the defeat loss at Mallorca almost two months ago.

The arrivals of Eden Hazard and Rodrygo have pushed Vinicius Junior down the pecking order at the Bernabeu, prompting speculation he could head elsewhere when the transfer window opens.

But Zidane told a press conference: "He's not going anywhere, he'll stay here.

"He's a member of this squad. There are 26 players here and perhaps he's not playing so much at the moment but he'll get his chance and will contribute, as ever, like all the players do.

"He'll get his chance and he has to be ready to take it. Things have changed since last season because we've got Hazard and Rodrygo, who are both in good form.

"Last year he did a brilliant job and he wants to do the same when he gets time on the pitch. I have to choose, that's my job, it won't change."

Hazard will miss out against in Saturday's LaLiga clash at Alaves after he limped off with an ankle injury during the midweek Champions League draw with Paris St Germain.

The injury is not as serious as first feared but Zidane could not put a date on his return.

"I can't give you a date. It's nothing serious," said Zidane. "I can tell you he took a good whack and has a slight sprain. His recovery will depend day to day."

Gareth Bale came on to replace Hazard and received some whistles from the home fans, although nothing like the reception he received in the aftermath of his recent "Wales. Golf. Madrid" flag celebration.

The 30-year-old was agonisingly close to scoring a late winner only to see a free-kick come back off a post.

Wales v Hungary – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group E – Cardiff City Stadium
Gareth Bale (right) enjoyed himself on Wales duty (Nick Potts/PA)

"We're behind him and so are the fans," said Zidane. "We have to continue like this because it's not going to have much impact on how we play.

"The important thing is to show we're here and willing to keep going despite any difficulties. That's part and parcel of being a footballer.

"The key is that everyone offers the support needed by every single player, that really is most important."

Real, who are joint top of LaLiga with Barcelona, travel to an Alaves side lying 13th on Saturday afternoon.

ID:381110: cacheID:381110:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:13006:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Oliver Burke celebrates scoring for Scotland against Cyprus on June 8, 2019
Read Next:
Oliver Burke joins Alaves on loan from West Brom
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37297187266194
2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
RCadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!