Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. cleared to play in Clasico vs. Barcelona

Published on: 26 October 2018

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Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has had a suspension lifted on appeal and is free to play in Sunday's Clasico at the Camp Nou.

Since arriving at the Bernabeu last summer, €45 million signing Vinicius has been training daily with Madrid's seniors but mostly playing with their Castilla side.

Last Sunday's Segunda B game at Celta Vigo B saw him score an impressive direct free kick before being shown a harsh second yellow card for diving later in the game.

On Thursday, Spanish football's Competition Committee issued a one-match ban -- ruling Vinicius out of this weekend's action. However, Friday morning saw the Appeals Committee overturn that decision and Vinicius is now available to be selected in the squad for the trip to Barcelona.

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Vinicius has four goals and one assist in five games for Castilla so far in 2018-19, with Santi Solari's side currently two points off the top of the Segunda B table.

Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui has been slower to use the youngster, who has just 12 minutes of La Liga action during what has been a difficult season for the team so far, something that reportedly displeases president Florentino Perez.

Despite his huge price-tag, and Madrid's struggles in front of goal, Vinicius himself said this week that he had accepted the logic behind him playing mostly for Castilla.

"I did preseason knowing that I could play with the B team," he said. "I asked to play like that, if I was not going to be considered [for the seniors] as it was better than staying at home. That helps me adapt to the game here, the climate, and makes me a better player."

Marca has claimed that Vinicius was one of six Castilla players who flew home privately from the weekend's game in Vigo, when their teammates made a six-hour bus journey. Five of the youngsters, including goalkeeper Luca Zidane, are reportedly to be fined for breaking club rules, however Vinicius will not face punishment as he had received special permission.

Source: espn.co.uk

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