Real Madrid are reportedly sweating over the fitness of Vinicius Junior for Saturday's La Liga clash with Girona.
The Brazil international was named in the starting side for the Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid last weekend, but it was announced shortly before kickoff that he had been withdrawn from the XI.
Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed after the 1-1 draw that Vinicius was struggling with a neck problem, although he was able to be named on the bench.
"He has tried, but he had a contracture in his cervicals. He wasn't comfortable in the warm-up," Ancelotti told reporters when asked about the nature of the 23-year-old's problem.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Vinicius was unable to train alongside his Real Madrid teammates on Wednesday, and he left the complex earlier than the rest of the first-team players.
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The report claims that 'it is doubtful' whether he will be ready for the game against Girona, while Antonio Rudiger was also absent from the main session.
Rudiger failed a late fitness test on Sunday, with the thigh problem that he suffered in last week's clash against Getafe preventing him from featuring in the Madrid derby.
However, there is said to be 'more optimism' when it comes to the Germany international, who suffered an impact injury rather than a muscular problem.
The report notes that Nacho also missed Wednesday's main session, with the centre-back instead working in the gymnasium, although it is unclear whether he has a fitness issue.
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Eduardo Camavinga is set to overcome a minor knee problem to be available this weekend, although Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba remain out with ACL injuries.
Vinicius has scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 20 appearances for Real Madrid this season, although he has already spent time out with a hamstring and thigh problem.
Los Blancos are two points ahead of second-placed Girona ahead of Saturday's huge fixture in Spain's top flight.
However, Ancelotti will be wary of taking a risk when it comes to Vinicius's fitness, as the capital giants will head to Germany early next week for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
Brahim Diaz made the most of Vinicius's absence to score against Atletico, while Joselu is another option in attack, with the latter scoring 12 times during a successful campaign on loan from Espanyol.
Matt Law
