Vinicius Real Madrid Mallorca LaLiga 2023-24Getty Images
Tom Hindle

Real Madrid injury list: Is Vinicius Jr fully fit?

Los Blancos have injuries all over the pitch, but Carlo Ancelotti has navigated a frustrating absentee list

It is a surprise, in some senses, that Madrid are in a competitive spot this season. Los Blancos have faced injuries from day one. Thibaut Courtois was first, rupturing his ACL in training. Eder Militao did the same less than a week later, completing only 50 minutes of Madrid's season.

Things have only gotten worse from there. Two further knee injuries have led to long-term absences, while knocks to key players have forced manager Carlo Ancelotti to exercise caution with his team selection.

Still, it's hard to argue with the results. Madrid are top of a La Liga, and a win on Sunday will see them take home the Supercopa.

GOAL takes a look at Real Madrid's injury list, and how long they might be out for...

  • David Alaba Real Madrid injured vs Villarreal 1Getty Images

    How bad is David Alaba's knee injury?

    Alaba seemed to know something was wrong immediately. The Austrian centre-back jammed his leg into the turf and grabbed the area behind his knee after an awkward fall. Los Blancos confirmed his ACL rupture within hours, and the versatile defender underwent an operation before Christmas.

    Expected return: He may have been put in touch with a renowned knee surgeon by former club Bayern Munich, but will still miss the rest of the season, and perhaps some of thee 2024-25 campaign, too.

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  • 20230510 Thibaut Courtois(C)Getty Images

    How serious is Thibaut Courtois' knee injury?

    It doesn't look good. The goalkeeper fell to the ground in training after making a routine save, and was later revealed to have ruptured his ACL. Courtois underwent surgery within a few days, and is certain to face a lengthy layoff for Madrid. He is almost certain to be out for the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign. Madrid have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga to fight for the No.1 shirt in his absence.

    Expected return: Courtois should make a full recovery, but knee injuries take time. He should be ready to go at the start of next season.

  • Edel-Militao(C)Getty Images

    Is Eder Militao out for the season?

    The centre-back completed a miserable week for Madrid in early August, suffering the same serious knee injury as Courtois just a few days after. He needed helping off the pitch in Madrid's season opener, and scans later confirmed that he, too, had torn his ACL.

    Expected return: Courtois and Militao should be operating on roughly the same timeline. There's a slim chance that the centre-back could be in contention before the end of the campaign, but the most likely outcome is a full return for the start of next season.

  • VINICIUS JUNIOR REAL MADRID LALIGA 11112023Getty Images

    Is Vinicius Jr back to full fitness?

    The Brazilian has recovered from a second muscle injury this season, and is steadily finding form on the pitch. Although Vinicius still looks short of his spellbinding best, the winger appears to have shaken off a difficult period.