Vinícius Jr.’s enforced absence at Mestalla due to an accumulation of yellow cards has activated a special plan at Valdebebas. Rather than viewing it as a setback, Álvaro Arbeloa’s coaching staff sees it as an opportunity to carefully manage the Brazilian’s workload and help him reach peak physical condition ahead of the decisive phase of the season.

From the match against Rayo Vallecano until his expected return against Real Sociedad on February 14, Vinícius will go two weeks without competitive action. The club has placed this period in the hands of Antonio Pintus. The Italian fitness coach has already started individualized training sessions with the winger, beginning this Wednesday after two days of rest.

As part of the plan, Vinícius has undergone demanding stress tests using hypoxic masks, designed to measure and improve his respiratory capacity and overall endurance. The objective is clear: optimize his physical condition after a run of heavy minutes and ensure he arrives fresh and explosive when it matters most.

There is one date marked in red on the calendar: February 17. On that night, Real Madrid will face Benfica in the Champions League play-off, at the very stadium where Vinícius delivered one of his most subdued performances earlier this season. Arbeloa, who has relied heavily on the Brazilian by playing him for six consecutive full matches without rest, knows that Madrid’s European ambitions depend on having their number 7 at his very best.

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