Vinicius Jr facing spell on sidelines as Real Madrid confirm severity of winger's injury as salt is rubbed into wounds after Clasico defeat to Barcelona

The Brazilian was forced off during Madrid's 4-3 defeat to Barcelona on Sunday, in a result that effectively handed their bitter rivals this year's La Liga title. Now, Los Blancos have confirmed the 24-year-old has picked up an ankle sprain, without saying how long he will be sidelined for.

A club statement reads: "Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle. The outcome is pending."

This injury rubs salt into Madrid's gaping wound after their deflating loss to Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti's men simply had to win to keep their title hopes alive but now they are seven points adrift with just three games of the season remaining. And not having Vinicius Jr makes their task even more improbable.

While it remains to be seen how long Vinicius Jr will be out for, Madrid will look to bounce back from their Barcelona setback when they host Mallorca on Wednesday.