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Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. is currently in Dubai fulfilling a commercial obligation instead of joining his teammates in training as the Spanish giants prepare for their upcoming La Liga encounter against Valencia. His absence from the club's training ground has attracted attention, although reports indicate that the trip has nothing to do with an injury, fitness problem or disciplinary issue.
According to journalist Mario Cortegana, the Brazilian international travelled to Dubai to fulfil promotional responsibilities connected to Real Madrid's commercial relationship with the United Arab Emirates. The arrangement was reportedly planned to allow the 26-year-old to complete his obligations while serving his four-match suspension in the Spanish league.
The timing of the visit is also considered convenient because it will make it easier for Vinicius to travel and join the Brazil national team ahead of the international break. Rather than missing competitive action through an injury, the forward is using his period of unavailability at club level to attend to commitments outside football.
Real Madrid have maintained significant commercial relationships in the United Arab Emirates for several years. The club established a global partnership with Visit Dubai, naming the destination as its first official destination partner. The Spanish side also renewed its agreement with Emirates, extending the relationship between the two organisations until 2031.
Vinicius' latest visit is understood to form part of the regular promotional responsibilities associated with Real Madrid's commercial agreement with Dubai. Consequently, his absence from training should not be interpreted as an indication that manager Jose Mourinho has encountered another fitness concern involving one of his most important attacking players.
The Brazilian is currently unable to feature in domestic competitions because of a four-match suspension imposed after his dismissal during Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Villarreal. The incident occurred when he pulled Nathan Saliba's hair, while his subsequent protests towards the match officials reportedly contributed to the severity of the punishment.
The disciplinary decision ruled him out of four La Liga fixtures against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia. Saturday's meeting at the Mestalla will therefore represent the final match of his suspension, after which he will have completed the punishment and become available for selection again.
Interestingly, Real Madrid have continued to perform well despite being without the Brazilian forward. Mourinho's team have recorded three consecutive league victories during his absence, demonstrating that they have been able to collect important points without one of their most influential attacking players.
Nevertheless, Vinicius remains a significant figure in Madrid's attacking structure. His explosive pace, dribbling ability, creativity and confidence when facing defenders make him an important source of attacking opportunities. His capacity to create chances and trouble opposition defences gives the team an additional dimension that can be difficult for opponents to contain.
His return is consequently expected to provide Mourinho with another valuable option as Real Madrid continue their campaign after the international break. The club will be keen to have him available again, particularly as they pursue their objectives in domestic and European competitions.
Meanwhile, Vinicius is also preparing for his responsibilities with the Brazilian national team. He is expected to participate in two international friendly matches in Singapore, where Brazil are scheduled to face Japan and the host nation. The encounters will mark the conclusion of the national team's international programme for the year.
His trip to Dubai will therefore allow him to complete his commercial duties before travelling to join his Brazilian teammates for the upcoming fixtures. The arrangement means he can attend to his responsibilities with Real Madrid's commercial partners while preparing for his international commitments.
For Mourinho, attention remains firmly on the Valencia match, which is Real Madrid's final fixture before the international break. Although Vinicius will not be available because of his suspension, his absence from the training ground is not believed to represent a new concern about his physical condition.