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Vinícius Junior was absent from Real Madrid's final training session before the November international break, as he had already departed for another continent.
As Real Madrid prepared for and ultimately beat Valencia 3–0 to stretch their winning streak to eight consecutive matches across all competitions, the Brazilian winger was across the world in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Vinícius didn't go absent without leave, however. The Brazilian was ineligible for the Valencia fixture as he was serving the final game of a four-match La Liga ban stemming from his red card against Villarreal and his subsequent reaction to it.
Rather than remaining in the Spanish capital, Vinícius made his way to the UAE to honor a commercial deal struck in 2023 between Dubai and Los Blancos, which obliges the Brazilian to make an annual visit. Real Madrid hold several commercial partnerships in the UAE, most notably with Fly Emirates, their second-biggest sponsor.
Vinícius is set to film promotional content during his short stay before heading off to link up with Brazil's November squad ahead of La Seleçao's friendly fixtures in Singapore. Given the timing of his suspension, it made perfect sense for both Madrid and Vinícius to schedule his yearly Dubai trip at this point.
Vinícius Júnior Must Return to Form After International Break
Vinícius missing the trip to Mestalla may have actually worked in his favor given the events of recent seasons. The Brazilian has reportedly been subjected to racist abuse during away fixtures against Valencia, and he has also been sent off in two of his last three visits to the stadium.
With his suspension now behind him, Vinícius will be available for La Liga action once the November international window concludes, though his spot in Real Madrid's starting lineup is no longer a certainty.
Vinícius has had a torrid beginning to the campaign, looking like a shadow of the player he once was. Even prior to his ban, the Brazilian had contributed very little going forward. In recent Champions League outings, Madrid have turned matches around only after the winger was substituted off.
The two-time Champions League winner has gone seven appearances without a goal contribution for Los Blancos, with his only goal of the season dating back to August 26.
Many observers feel it is no coincidence that José Mourinho has unlocked Madrid's best football with Vinícius on the sidelines. Summer arrival Yan Diomande has impressed on the left flank, appearing to forge a strong early connection with Kylian Mbappé. The young forward has racked up four goals and four assists for Madrid since Vinícius last contributed directly to a goal.
Vinícius dominated headlines this summer amid a prolonged contract standoff that nearly resulted in his departure from Los Blancos. Having signed a lucrative deal keeping him at the club until 2032, his current form is far from the response anyone would have hoped for.
It is crucial that Vinícius uses his time on international duty with Brazil to rebuild his confidence and returns to Madrid looking more like the player who came agonizingly close to winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Should he continue performing as he has done this season, however, Diomande appears well-positioned to take his spot in Madrid's preferred starting XI, and questions over his long-term future at the club could resurface once more.