Real Madrid lose Vinicius Jr for LaLiga game against Sevilla

Mbappé, Courtois and Valverde all trained, but Vini Jr will not be available.

Real Madrid resumed training after returning from Qatar, where they secured the Intercontinental Cup last Wednesday with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca.

Goals came from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinicius, the latter converting a penalty. Ancelotti’s team landed in Madrid in the early hours of Thursday and enjoyed a day and a half of rest before getting back to work.

In their first session since returning, the squad trained at 15:00 but will revert to their regular schedule for subsequent training sessions and Ancelotti’s press conference.

The team is preparing for their final match of 2024, a year marked by extraordinary success. Real Madrid have lifted five trophies, with LaLiga and the Champions League standing out, alongside the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the recently won Intercontinental Cup.

The training session began with gym work before transitioning to on-field exercises focused on possession, ball control, build-up play, and pressing. The session concluded with small-sided games and shooting drills.

Why is Vinicius Jr not playing against Sevilla?

Some key players, including Vinicius - who is suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards - Bellingham, Mbappé, Courtois, and Valverde, remained indoors for light, conservative work. However, none of them are doubts for the upcoming match against Sevilla.

Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy participated in most of the group session without any apparent issues. He is likely to be included in the squad for the Sevilla match and may even start, potentially giving Fran García a rest.

As for the long-term absentees—Alaba, Carvajal, and Militão—they continue their recovery programs. Alaba has begun reintegrating with the first-team dynamics, and his full return appears imminent. The Austrian centre-back is expected to participate in full training sessions by January and rejoin matchday squads soon after.

Real Madrid host Sevilla in LaLiga EA Sports at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday 22 December at 10:15am ET.