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<ul><li>Vinicius back after hamstring injury</li><li>Returns ahead of schedule</li><li>In starting XI to face Mallorca</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Vinicius Jr is back! Real Madrid star returns ahead of schedule for Mallorca La Liga clash after two-month hamstring injury layoff

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Mallorca

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Real Madrid

<p>Carlo Ancelotti has named Vinicius in his Real Madrid team for Wednesday's clash against Real Mallorca. The Brazil international is back in the side for the first time <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/brazil-real-madrid-vinicius-jr-withdraws-world-cup-qualifiers-squad-lionel-messi-argentina/blt348af21d5ff75c58#cs930c8a62811b9bc5" target="_blank">since suffering a torn hamstring back in November</a>. Vinicius was originally <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/brazil-real-madrid-vinicius-jr-withdraws-world-cup-qualifiers-squad-lionel-messi-argentina/blt348af21d5ff75c58#cs930c8a62811b9bc5" target="_blank">expected to be out for 10 weeks</a> but has returned ahead of schedule in what will be a welcome boost for Los Blancos.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial!<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/RCD_Mallorca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCD_Mallorca</a><a href="https://twitter.com/UnicajaBanco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnicajaBanco</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadridRCDMallorca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadridRCDMallorca</a> <a href="https://t.co/usaHjky2fx">pic.twitter.com/usaHjky2fx</a></p>— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/1742582205077975432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Real Madrid fans will be delighted to see Vinicius back in action as Ancelotti's side aim for silverware in 2024. The team start the year at the top of La Liga but level on points with surprise package Girona. Vinicius is a key player for Los Blancos and will add to their attacking threat alongside Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. He has six goals and three assists in all competitions so far this season and will be out to add to his tally, starting against Mallorca on Wednesday.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Real Madrid have not lost any of their last 18 home games in all competitions and, should they go unbeaten against Mallorca, it would equal their best home run with Carlo Ancelotti in charge (19 between April 2022 and February 2023).</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Madrid face a Copa del Rey clash with fourth-tier side Arandina next and will then head to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup and a semi-final date with neighbours Atletico Madrid.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Vinicius Jr is back! Real Madrid star returns ahead of schedule for Mallorca La Liga clash after two-month hamstring injury layoff | Goal.com

Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of Vinicius Junior from injury ahead of their first La Liga clash of 2024 against Real Mallorca.