Vinícius Júnior Goes Missing From Real Madrid Training… and Turns Up in Dubai

Why Did Vinícius Miss Real Madrid Training?

Vinícius Júnior was the surprise absentee from Real Madrid's training session on Friday, November 6. The Brazilian forward was nowhere to be seen at Valdebebas ahead of the clash with Valencia, but his absence had nothing to do with an injury or another disciplinary issue. He is currently in Dubai.

According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Vinícius is required to make an annual visit to Dubai as part of the club's commercial commitments. Real Madrid approved the trip and decided this was the most convenient time for him to fulfill that obligation.

The decision also comes at a particularly convenient moment. Vinícius is suspended for the match against Valencia, meaning his absence from training will not affect his availability for the upcoming fixture.

The Suspension Behind His Dubai Trip

The Brazilian received a four-match suspension following his dismissal against Villarreal on October 10. Vinícius was shown a red card for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair and received an additional punishment for his protests afterward.

The ban ruled him out of matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Racing Santander. The meeting with Valencia will be the fourth and final game of his suspension, allowing him to return to LaLiga after the international break.

Rather than keeping him in Madrid during this period, the club chose to use the final days of his suspension to fulfill an outstanding commercial commitment. The visit also fits into Real Madrid's existing sponsorship ties with Dubai.

Brazil Also Played a Role in the Decision

There is another reason behind the timing of the trip. Vinícius has been called up by the Brazil national team for November's international friendlies in Singapore.

Brazil will face Japan on November 14 and Singapore on November 17. Staying in Dubai makes the journey to Asia considerably easier than traveling all the way from Madrid.

According to reports, the flight from Dubai to Singapore takes around seven hours, compared with a journey of more than 17 hours from the Spanish capital, depending on connections. This arrangement allows Vinícius to fulfill his commercial obligations before joining Brazil's training camp.

When Will Vinícius Return to Real Madrid?

The Brazilian will be available to José Mourinho again after the international break. His four-match suspension will be completed against Valencia, and barring any setbacks, he can return to domestic action when Real Madrid resume their league campaign.

The Portuguese coach has had to reorganize his attack in recent weeks, although Madrid have managed to secure three consecutive league victories without Vinícius.

For now, his absence from Valdebebas is not another problem for Real Madrid. The club simply chose to take advantage of the final days of his suspension to handle a commercial commitment while making his upcoming trip with Brazil more convenient.

Key Facts Behind Vinícius' Dubai Trip

• The reason: an annual commercial commitment approved by Real Madrid.
• The suspension: he will miss the Valencia clash, the final match of his four-game ban.
• His next destination: Singapore, where Brazil will face Japan and the host nation during the international break.

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