Real Madrid are hopeful Vinicius Junior will avoid a ban after being sent off in the 2-1 win over Valencia, head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Sunday.
At a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti confirmed Vinicius will travel to Cartagena for Monday's Copa del Rey match against fourth-tier Deportiva Minera.
The Brazilian winger was sent off for punching Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski during Friday's LaLiga match, but Ancelotti is confident he will avoid even the minimum two-match ban.
“It wasn't red, it was yellow, and that's why we hope he doesn't face a suspension,” Ancelotti told reporters.
Ancelotti added that Vinicius is under enormous mental stress having been exposed to racist abuse several times while playing in Spain.
“It's hard to be in his shoes. It's not easy to bear everything he goes through, including the insults,” Ancelotti said.
“It's not easy, but he's trying to improve. He's angry about it and has apologised; we have to look ahead.”
“We hope he does not face a suspension. The only two who are not traveling are Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger. The rest are all traveling.”
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Ancelotti added that he had no problem with the new Copa del Rey rules that require LaLiga clubs to start with at least seven players from their first team.
“We have to respect it, and I have no problem with this rule. I want to give minutes to those who have played less,” he added.
Meanwhile, Madrid have missed three of their last four penalties, including two from Kylian Mbappe, and Ancelotti is working to improve their performances from the spot.
“It is a technical aspect that is very difficult to master. There are good penalty takers, but what changes is the atmosphere in the stadiums,” the Italian added.
“I also want to clarify the matter for us. I will clarify it before the match… it could be Vinicius, Mbappé, Jude.” [Bellingham]Arda Guler. We'll see how I feel.”
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