Vinicius Junior has picked up an apparent hamstring injury while on international duty, sparking concerns for the Real Madrid winger.

The 23-year-old was taken off in the first half of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia. When Vinicius was substituted, Brazil were leading 1-0, thanks to a brilliant attacking combination between the Madrid man and Gabriel Martinelli.

Vini Jr. was substituted with just 27 minutes gone and appeared to be holding his hamstring as he walked gingerly from the field. On the touchline, he was seen receiving treatment for his left leg.

The big worry for Real Madrid will be the nature of the injury. It was not the consequence of an impact or even of any particularly intense movement. Vini Jr. was jogging on the halfway line, far away from the play, when he suddenly crumpled to the ground and called for medical attention.

This suggests that it was a muscle injury, likely to his hamstring or thigh. Vinicius was able to walk from the field of play when being substituted, but even a fairly moderate strain could see him out of action until the new year.

Real Madrid injury list grows over international break

News of Vini’s injury issues will be another headache for Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Los Blancos have made a mixed start to the La Liga campaign and trail league leaders Girona after 13 games played.

He has now suffered three key injuries over the international break, most recently Vinicius.

Earlier this week, Jude Bellingham, the team’s star performer this season, pulled out of England’s international camp due to a shoulder issue.

On Thursday afternoon, Eduardo Camavinga was forced to leave the French squad after clashing with Ousmane Dembele in training. Camavinga has suffered a knee injury and could miss up to eight weeks.