Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior is a doubt to play against Villarreal after the winger missed training ahead of the La Liga clash.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has once again rushed to the defence of Vinicius Junior amid rumours of a widening rift in the club's dressing room.The Brazilian superstar boasts a combined 29 goals and assists across 38 matches this season,

Spanish journalist Joaquin Maroto has made a bold claim, stating that Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid function more effectively as a team without Vinicius Junior.

In Real Madrid, officials are worried that Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have yet to establish effective synergy on the field, as reported by Relevo.

Vinicius Junior added another incredible strike to his growing list of impressive goals in a Real Madrid shirt, this time in a solo effort in the team's 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. In the 34th minute,

Vinicius Jr requested to be substituted later in the match as he was feeling fatigued. Kylian Mbappe stayed on and was the first to step up and take the penalty in the shootout. It was a perfect spot kick as he sent the keeper the wrong way and set the tone for Madrid to win the game.

Vinícius Júnior has said he wants to renew his contract at Real Madrid "as soon as possible" despite ongoing links with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

The XI of players tasked with getting the better of Villarreal by the Real Madrid coaching staff has on Saturday evening been unveiled online.Real, of course, are primed to return to action in short

Real Madrid must face UEFA Champions League hopefuls Villarreal just three day after going the distance against Atletico Madrid. Get the latest team news.