Vinicius Junior expected to start against Ajax as Real Madrid train at Johan Cruijff Arena ahead of Champions League last-16 clash
- Vinicius Junior is likely to start in the last-16 first leg tie in Amsterdam
- This could mean there is no place for Gareth Bale in Santiago Solari’s starting XI
- Sergio Ramos is in line to make his 600th appearance in a Los Blancos shirt
Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has confirmed Vinicius Junior will play against Ajax on Wednesday evening.
Solari praised the 18-year-old, who has replaced Gareth Bale in recent weeks, ahead of the Champions League last-16 first leg tie in Amsterdam.
‘His adaptation has been very fast,’ manager Santiago Solari said.
Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari said Vinicius Junior (right) is likely to start against Ajax
Solari told reporters he had been impressed by the way Vinicius has adapted to ‘a new culture’
‘He has adapted to a new country, a new culture, a different type of football. He has shown his talent but we have to take care of him.’
Los Blancos boss could field the same starting 11 which beat Atletico Madrid at the weekend, leaving Bale on the sidelines, despite the Wales international scoring his 100th goal for the club.
The visitors are without Jesus Vallejo and Luca Zidane who are sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Marcos Llorente is ruled out with a groin issue and Isco has not recovered from a back and neck problem.
Real Madrid players trained at the Johan Cruijff ahead of the Champions League last-16 clash
Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric is helped to his feet by team-mate Marcelo in training
Keylor Navas, Casemiro and Marcelo joke around in the build-up to the game
Sergio Ramos is expected to captain the side against Ajax in what will be his 600th appearance, seeing him move just one game behind club legends Fernando Hierro and Paco Gento in the club’s all-time appearance list, and fourth behind Manolo Sanchis (710), Iker Casillas (725) and Raul Gonzalez (741).
The 32-year-old, who also skippers his country, has won 20 major honours during his 19 years at the Bernabau, after arriving in 2005 for 27 million euros (£23m), which remains a record fee for a Spanish teenager.
Solari said of the centre-back: “He has been and remains a fantastic captain.
“I think it’s brilliant how he carries out his job as leader, which isn’t an easy one.”
Spirits were high in the Real Madrid session, with Casemiro helping a colleague up off the turf
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also spoke at a press conference ahead of the first leg tie
Real Madrid players congregated around Solari and his coaching staff in the venue
