Real Madrid are persevering with their pre-season coaching with a behind-closed-doors pleasant towards Leganes at Valdebebas on Tuesday, however one of many membership’s largest stars, Vinicius Jr., just isn’t in Jose Mourinho’s squad.
The Brazilian winger just isn’t anticipated to be an everyday starter for Los Blancos as they’re coping with the workload of gamers returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His departure additionally coincides with the emergence of hypothesis that he’s being eyed by Arsenal for a sensational signing, however Real Madrid has denied any connection between the 2.
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Why Is Vinicius Jr. Missing From Real Madrid Lineup?
Vinicius just isn’t injured.
Instead, Real Madrid have determined to take a measured strategy to his return after his World Cup marketing campaign in Brazil. Mourinho has been slowly bringing his worldwide gamers again into coaching, specializing in health fairly than the motion.
Vinicius Junior in the course of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi by way of Getty Images)
The membership has taken the identical strategy with a number of senior gamers, utilizing the opening preseason video games to evaluate the academy’s potential and youthful first-team gamers. This provides the club’s stars a little more time to recover. Real Madrid did the identical of their final coaching session towards Alcorcon, with Castilla gamers and senior professionals returning from the vacations taking the majority of the time.
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Therefore, Vinicius was not anticipated to be a part of the squad towards Leganes, because the employees needed to get him match earlier than introducing him later within the preseason.
Vinicius Rumored Transfer to Arsenal Continues to Grow
Vinicius’ health is the primary motive for his absence, however the hypothesis surrounding the Brazilian has grown in latest weeks.
Arsenal have been linked to the 26-year-old after their rumored bid for him was reportedly hampered by Real Madrid’s interest in extending his contract earlier this summer season. The Gunners are considered excited by signing Vinicius, however there was no official deal between the 2 sides.
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But Real Madrid have been much less excited by entertaining affords. The Spanish giants have turned down Arsenal’s reported curiosity. Mourinho has made it clear that Vinícius is a significant a part of his plans for the 2026-27 season.
There isn’t any indication that the switch hypothesis had any impression on Mourinho’s squad for Leganes. The transfer is believed to be fitness-related, as Vinicius is anticipated to be match sufficient to return to motion as soon as he finishes his pre-season conditioning programme.
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Soccer part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
