Real Madrid prepares to face Athletic Club this week in their last match of a disappointing 2025-26 season. Having already ceded the La Liga title to arch-rivals Barcelona, Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad heads into the fixture with little motivation, which is likely to influence team selection at the Bernabeu.

Injuries keep several key players sidelined, including Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Arda Guler, and Rodrygo Goes. Additionally, Dani Ceballos remains unavailable, and now another significant player, Vinicius Junior, will also miss the match.

According to Cadena SER, Vinicius requested to be excused from selection, and Arbeloa has approved this request. The Brazilian winger has endured a taxing season, featuring in 53 matches across all competitions and six appearances in last summer’s Club World Cup. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, this decision seems prudent for his well-being.

Amidst this context, questions arise about Vinicius' future at Real Madrid. With his current contract expiring in 2027, discussions regarding a new agreement remain unresolved. Despite expectations of a forthcoming deal, uncertainty looms over whether Vinicius has played his final match for the club.