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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
1Real Madrid19134243192443
2Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia1826101728-1112
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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