Real Madrid is having a season marked by a plague of injuries. On top of Dani Carvajal's and Éder Militão's injures, there is also Rodrygo Goes, a key player in Carlo Ancelotti's squad. He has been diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left leg. Such an injury will keep him off the field for at least a month.
This new injury is a hard blow for a team that hasn't managed to keep its main players available for a prolonged period. Ancelotti, who had already had to restructure his defense after Militão's injury, will now have to redesign his offense without Rodrygo, a player who brings balance and creativity.
The Impact on Vinícius Júnior
Rodrygo's absence not only represents a challenge for the Italian coach but also leaves Vinícius Júnior in a difficult position. Both players share a special chemistry on the field. They complement each other's attacks with coordinated movements that have been key in several matches this season.
Rodrygo and Vinícius form a duo in which they understands each other almost telepathically. His absence will directly affect the left winger's performance. Now, Vinícius will have to bear greater offensive responsibility, something that could be complicated in closed games, where the partnership with Rodrygo used to open up rival defenses. For the young striker, this situation represents a new setback just after overcoming another one. It's all happening just when he seemed to be recovering his best shape after an irregular start to the season.
A Minimum of One Month of Recovery
Real Madrid's medical team estimates that Rodrygo will be out for at least a month, although this could be extended depending on his progress. Injuries to the rectus femoris are serious. Therefore, the club will avoid risks that could jeopardize the second half of the season.
During this period, Carlo Ancelotti will have to look for alternatives in offense. Joselu could take on a more prominent role, while Brahim Díaz and Fran García could also provide solutions. However, neither of them offer the profile of Rodrygo, which will force the coach to modify his strategy.
A Demanding Schedule
Rodrygo's injury comes at a critical time, with a packed schedule that includes key fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League. Without his first-choice striker, Ancelotti will have to either play a more conservative approach or give less regular players his confidence. The lack of depth in some positions could become a serious problem, especially if there are further setbacks.
Real Madrid faces some very high-caliber teams in the coming weeks. Rodrygo's absence could be decisive in the outcome of these matches. In addition, with Militão and Carvajal out, the defense has also lost solidity, which increases the pressure on the offense to be more effective.