Real Madrid have, in the early hours of Friday, been dealt another concerning piece of news on the personnel front.
This comes amid fears of an incoming spell on the sidelines for star wide-man Vinícius Jr.
Vinícius, for his part, was back in action on the international, playing in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying meeting with Colombia.
And, inside five minutes, the 23-year-old managed a telling contribution, laying on an assist for Arsenal man Gabriel Martinelli’s opener.
Things, however, soon took a turn for the worse for both Vinícius and Brazil alike.
Owing to a brace on the part of Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, Colombia ultimately turned things around in Barranquilla, en route to a memorable 2-1 triumph.
Vinícius, meanwhile, lasted less than half an hour, before being forced into a departure from proceedings.
The attacker pulled up with what appeared to be a muscular concern in his left thigh, quickly tended to by the Brazilian medical team.
With Eduardo Camavinga having already joined the likes of Éder Militão, Thibaut Courtois and Aurélien Tchouaméni on the treatment table across the early days of the international break, Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid will now be forced to wait for an update on Vinícius’ wellbeing over the days ahead.
Conor Laird | GSFN
