Real Madrid superstar set to miss Athletic Club clash as he heads out for World Cup | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to end their season on a positive note as they take on Athletic Club in their final game of the season.

Heading into this game, Vinicius Jr. was one of three Real Madrid stars who were absent from training, sparking chatter about them already jetting off for the World Cup.

Vinicius Jr. won’t play vs Athletic Club

Now, those rumours have been addressed by ESPN, which confirms that Vinicius Jr. indeed won’t participate in the upcoming clash against Athletic Club.

Can Vinicius help Brazil win the World Cup this year? (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

It appears Real Madrid have granted their star forward permission to leave the camp and head to Brazil before the World Cup, where he will play a key role for the Selecao.

The report adds that Vinicius will directly join the Brazilian national team camp and train with former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

This is a big boost for Brazil, who are hoping to end their World Cup curse and secure their first triumph since 2002. Vinicius Jr. is one of the faces of the Selecao, alongside Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Vinicius’ preparation plan for the World Cup

Brazil’s big faces for the World Cup. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

According to the report, Vinicius will resume training next week, when he will have to report to Ancelotti as Brazil begin their preparations at the CBF training centre in Granja Comary, Teresópolis, on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.

The Brazilian players, including Vinicius, will arrive on Wednesday, May 27, four days before the friendly match against Panama.

The Brazil camp will then depart for the United States on June 1, with the Selecao slated to play against Morocco in their first match of the tournament on June 13, in New Jersey.