Bad news for Endrick! Future Real Madrid star stretchered off with injury that could rule wonderkid out of Copa America with Brazil

The teenage forward is due to link up with La Liga title winners Real after turning 18 in July. He had been hoping to head for Spain with a continental crown under his belt, as the Selecao prepare to go in search of international glory in the United States this summer.

Endrick was, however, forced to leave the field on a stretcher during his latest outing for Palmeiras. The youngster went down holding his leg just past the hour mark in a 2-1 Copa Libertadores win over Independiente del Velle, leading to him requiring medical treatment.

He was clearly in some discomfort as physios carried him from the pitch, with there nobody around him when hitting the turf. Initial suggestions are that Endrick has suffered a muscle tear in his right leg, which could require up to three weeks of rest and recovery.

If Endrick were to be out for any longer than that, then it is unlikely that he will figure for Brazil at the Copa America – which gets underway on June 20. The 17-year-old may have already taken in his last outing for Palmeiras, with Real reluctant to see any gambles taken on his fitness ahead of his impending switch to Santiago Bernabeu.