Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has indicated that Vinícius Júnior is likely to start the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The Brazilian forward remains available for European competition despite receiving a four-match suspension in La Liga. The punishment followed his dismissal against Villarreal, meaning he will miss several domestic league fixtures, including El Clásico against Barcelona.

Speaking about the forward’s availability, Mourinho expressed confidence in Vinícius’ chances of featuring from the start against Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“Without promising anything, I think he will start in the Champions League on Wednesday,” Mourinho said.

Mourinho also challenged Vinícius to use his absence from domestic matches as an opportunity to work harder in training and improve his performances. The manager believes the forward can use this period to regain his best form and make a stronger contribution to the team.

Mourinho will hope that his team can replicate the same performance against Barcelona as they did when they hosted Sevilla in the last league game.