Real Madrid expect Vinicius Junior to miss Barcelona clash after red card

Real Madrid do not expect to have Vinicius Junior available for the upcoming El Clasico after the forward was sent off against Villarreal.

The Brazil international received a straight red card in the match, held the previous day, after grabbing an opposing player by the hair. The dismissal has left Real Madrid anticipating a three-match suspension for the 25-year-old.

According to The Touchline, citing journalist Arancha Rodriguez, Real Madrid believe an appeal could reduce the punishment to two matches. However, that would still not be enough to make Vinicius Junior eligible for the meeting with Barcelona.

Real Madrid therefore regard the forward’s absence from El Clasico as unavoidable and are not factoring him into their plans for the fixture.

Real Madrid will visit Barcelona on 25 October.