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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
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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