Vinícius Júnior returns against Atalanta, while Alaba will only be back in 2025

In Real Madrid's final training session ahead of their visit to Girona, Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior marked a significant step in his recovery by rejoining team activities.

This comes after the player spent weeks sidelined due to a muscle injury, which had kept one of Real Madrid's key attacking players off the pitch. The club officially announced his return via their website, much to the delight of fans eager to see him back in action.

Despite his return to training, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Vinícius will not feature in Saturday’s La Liga clash against Girona. The Italian tactician emphasized the importance of ensuring the player's full recovery before reintegrating him into competitive matches.

“Vinícius has recovered very well. He won’t be in tomorrow’s [Saturday’s] game, but he is ready for the next Champions League match,” Ancelotti stated. This means that Real Madrid fans can look forward to seeing the dynamic forward return to the pitch in their upcoming Champions League match against Atalanta, where his pace and creativity are expected to play a crucial role.

Another significant development in Real Madrid's training session was the return of Austrian defender David Alaba. The experienced defender, who has been absent for an extended period due to a severe left knee injury, participated in team training for the first time in nearly a year. His presence on the training ground provided a morale boost for both the squad and fans, as the versatile player has been sorely missed in Real Madrid's defensive line.

However, Ancelotti tempered expectations regarding Alaba’s return to competitive matches. “We are happy with his presence in training, but he needs December to be ready to play in January. He will continue to work individually for now and gradually reintegrate with the team. The expectation is for his return next year,” the coach explained. Alaba's absence has been a significant challenge for Real Madrid, and his return in January will undoubtedly strengthen their defensive stability as the season enters its crucial stages.

French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga also featured in the session as part of his rehabilitation process. However, unlike Vinícius and Alaba, Camavinga did not participate fully with the main group. His limited involvement indicates that while progress is being made, he is still in the recovery phase and will require more time before returning to match fitness.

These injury updates come at a critical juncture for Real Madrid. With the team currently sitting second in La Liga with 33 points four points behind Barcelona but with a game in hand—the return of key players like Vinícius and Alaba could prove pivotal in their pursuit of domestic and European glory. Girona, their upcoming opponent, occupies eighth place in the league standings with 22 points, making Saturday’s fixture a potential opportunity for Real Madrid to close the gap on the league leaders.

The absence of Vinícius for the Girona match places additional responsibility on players like Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, who have been instrumental in Real Madrid’s campaign thus far. Bellingham, in particular, has quickly become a fan favorite since his arrival, delivering standout performances in both La Liga and the Champions League. However, the return of Vinícius for the Atalanta match will bring an extra dimension to Real Madrid’s attack, with his ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities.

Ancelotti's measured approach to managing player recoveries underscores his long-term vision for the team. By prioritizing the full fitness of players like Vinícius and Alaba, the Italian coach aims to ensure that his squad is at its strongest when the stakes are highest later in the season. With the Champions League knockout stages on the horizon and a tightly contested La Liga title race, the return of these key players could be the boost Real Madrid needs to achieve their ambitions.

As Real Madrid prepares for the Girona fixture, the focus will not only be on securing three points but also on managing the fitness of their returning stars. The cautious reintegration of players like Alaba and Camavinga reflects the club’s commitment to preserving their long-term fitness and avoiding setbacks that could jeopardize their availability in critical matches. For now, the anticipation of Vinícius' return to Champions League action against Atalanta adds an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to see the Brazilian maestro back at his best.