Vinicius’ Dubai promotion trip raises fresh questions over Real Madrid recovery plan

Real Madrid have faced criticism in Spain after allowing Vinicius Junior to travel to Dubai for promotional work during his suspension, rather than train with his team-mates as he continues to search for his best form.

Vinicius did not take part in Friday’s session at the club’s training ground, Valdebebas. His absence was not because he was unavailable to play against Valencia on Saturday – he is serving the fourth match of his suspension – and it was not because he had joined Brazil early ahead of their upcoming fixtures after being called up by Ancelotti.

Instead, the Brazil forward is spending the weekend in Dubai.

Commercial commitments questioned

Real Madrid said the trip formed part of an agreement with Emirates. Vinicius travelled to film promotional material for “Visit Dubai”.

That explanation has not satisfied everyone. Journalist Pacojo Delgado questioned the decision on the programme SER Deportivos.

“In my opinion, it would probably be better for Vinicius to stay and train so he can regain his fitness, rather than film advertisements,” Delgado said.

“I am not saying he should go to Valencia to join the squad, but it seems better for him to remain at Valdebebas until he joins Brazil.”

Delgado added that everything surrounding Real Madrid’s number seven this year had been “extremely strange”.

The criticism is focused not only on the missed training session, which would have helped Vinicius’ physical condition, but also on the amount of travelling he is undertaking.

The forward is considered to be below the level he showed when he came close to winning the Ballon d’Or more than two years ago. Alongside his trip to Japan and Singapore, where he will play matches with Brazil, he must now add the journey to Dubai.

That schedule has raised concerns about fatigue and the possibility of injury.

Journalist Anton Meana, who attended Friday’s training session, also noted Vinicius’ absence.

“I noticed that he was missing from training. I think it would be good for him to be at the training ground with his team-mates, and it would also be good for us to see him training on a day when the press is allowed into Valdebebas,” Meana said.

“I repeat, he cannot play. He has permission from the club and is at a Real Madrid event in Dubai, and then people wonder whether there is a debate.”

Mourinho defends forward

Vinicius remains under close scrutiny from supporters and the media. Last Friday, Mourinho was asked about his form after the forward again made a poor impression in Athens despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Mourinho was also asked whether he would restore Vinicius to the starting line-up when he becomes available for league matches.

“The coach must do everything possible to get his players to their best level and try different playing strategies, both individually and in terms of their performances,” he said.

“A poor player will remain a poor player, but a good player will have bad spells. If Vinicius were a poor player, we would say he had performed well in Athens.”

Delgado, however, placed responsibility on Real Madrid as well as the player.

“If this is the plan to return Vinicius to his best level, I feel it will be a long process,” he said. “This journey is no longer Vinicius’ responsibility alone; it is also the club’s responsibility.”