Vinícius Júnior will travel with the team for the Copa del Rey match against Deportivo Minera.
Real Madrid has appealed Vinícius Júnior’s direct red card, and coach Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic that the Brazilian forward can avoid a suspension.
Real will face the fourth-tier team, Deportivo Minera, on Monday in the Copa del Rey. Ancelotti confirmed that Vinícius will travel with the team to Cartagena for the match.
Last Friday in a La Liga match against Valencia, Vinícius received a red card after striking goalkeeper Stoale Dimitrievski in the face. However, Ancelotti is hopeful that the 24-year-old forward will escape at least a two-match suspension.
“It wasn’t a red card (foul), it was a yellow card. That’s why we’re hopeful he won’t face any suspension,” said Ancelotti.
Vinícius has often been subjected to racist abuse in Spain due to his black skin, and Ancelotti believes the Brazilian forward faces immense mental pressure.
“It’s very hard to be in his position. Dealing with the insults and everything he goes through is not easy. It’s not something simple, but he’s trying to improve. He’s distressed and has apologized. We should look forward.”
“We’re hopeful he won’t receive any suspension. Only two players will miss the next match: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger. The rest will travel for the match.”