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Zinedine Zidane rules out January exit for Vinicius Junior

Zinedine Zidane rules out January exit for Vinicius Junior
© Reuters
The teenage Brazilian forward has seen his game time at the Bernabeu limited this season.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has ruled out a January loan move for Vinicius Junior.

The teenage Brazilian forward has seen his game time limited this season and has not started a match for Los Blancos since the defeat loss at Mallorca almost two months ago.

The arrivals of Eden Hazard and Rodrygo have pushed Vinicius Junior down the pecking order at the Bernabeu, prompting speculation he could head elsewhere when the transfer window opens.

But Zidane told a press conference: "He's not going anywhere, he'll stay here.

"He's a member of this squad. There are 26 players here and perhaps he's not playing so much at the moment but he'll get his chance and will contribute, as ever, like all the players do.

"He'll get his chance and he has to be ready to take it. Things have changed since last season because we've got Hazard and Rodrygo, who are both in good form.

"Last year he did a brilliant job and he wants to do the same when he gets time on the pitch. I have to choose, that's my job, it won't change."

Hazard will miss out against in Saturday's LaLiga clash at Alaves after he limped off with an ankle injury during the midweek Champions League draw with Paris St Germain.

The injury is not as serious as first feared but Zidane could not put a date on his return.

"I can't give you a date. It's nothing serious," said Zidane. "I can tell you he took a good whack and has a slight sprain. His recovery will depend day to day."

Gareth Bale came on to replace Hazard and received some whistles from the home fans, although nothing like the reception he received in the aftermath of his recent "Wales. Golf. Madrid" flag celebration.

The 30-year-old was agonisingly close to scoring a late winner only to see a free-kick come back off a post.

Wales v Hungary – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group E – Cardiff City Stadium
Gareth Bale (right) enjoyed himself on Wales duty (Nick Potts/PA)

"We're behind him and so are the fans," said Zidane. "We have to continue like this because it's not going to have much impact on how we play.

"The important thing is to show we're here and willing to keep going despite any difficulties. That's part and parcel of being a footballer.

"The key is that everyone offers the support needed by every single player, that really is most important."

Real, who are joint top of LaLiga with Barcelona, travel to an Alaves side lying 13th on Saturday afternoon.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid36296183226193
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona36236775453075
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Villarreal36149136060051
9Valencia35139133739-248
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves36119163445-1142
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna36118174054-1441
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca36715142941-1236
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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