The international break comes for Real Madrid at a pivotal point of the season, with Carlo Ancelotti worried about the fatigue and fitness of many players who will represent their countries over the next week.
Two in particular of concern are Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde. The two have made the long trip across the Atlantic, with key games approaching in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers.
🚨 INTERNATIONAL BREAK BEGINS. pic.twitter.com/qjKkGMdxm1
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 15, 2025
Vinicius Jr. started on the bench during last weekend's crucial away victory at Villarreal and has been experiencing discomfort since the Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid that went the distance. Real Madrid went on to win on penalties after 120 minutes of play.
However, no rest is in sight for Vini, with two huge matches coming up for Brazil. The Seleção currently sit in 5th in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying table, with 18 points from their first twelve games.
🇦🇷🔝 Argentina remain at the top of the CONMEBOL #FIFAWorldCup qualifying table.#WeAre26
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2024
Although they will more than likely be in the top six to qualify for the World Cup, failure to beat Colombia and world champions Argentina during this March break could leave Tite's side in a precarious situation.
For Fede Valverde, his Uruguay side are in 2nd position, on 20 points. Marcelo Bielsa's side come up against table-toppers Argentina and travel to Bolivia, a location synonymous for being a tough place to play due to its high altitude.
Fede Valverde has joined Uruguay NT! 👋🏻🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/u14ni9qh9v
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 17, 2025
Valverde has played more minutes than any other Real Madrid player this season, as Ancelotti has been forced to rest the Uruguayan during important league matches of late.
Real Madrid are still competing in the Copa del Rey, Champions League, and La Liga, and have played twenty-three times already in 2025, with player fatigue and injury risk becoming growing issues among the squad. Carlo Ancelotti announced his side's victory against Villarreal at the weekend would be the last time Real Madrid play in La Liga without 72 hours of rest.
🚨⚠️ Ancelotti: “This is the last time we played a game without 72 hours of rest”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 15, 2025
“We will NOT show up and NOT play if it happens again”.
“We asked La Liga to change the time of the game TWICE. But nothing”. pic.twitter.com/NoDJuUWTMu
The club will be keeping a close eye on all sixteen of its players who are away representing their nation, and Ancelotti will have his fingers crossed for no fresh issues.
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