Despite having a fine season with Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr was subbed from the FIFA award nominees.

Carlo Ancelotti was asked how the Brazilian reacted to the snub, and the Real Madrid manager joked that he’d found Vinicius “crying in the dressing room” for four hours, after the Brazil international was left off the shortlist for FIFA’s The Best award.

“He was very sad,” Ancelotti said, smiling. “He was crying for three or four hours. We couldn’t stop him.”

Vinicius picked up a thigh injury in Madrid’s 1-0 win against Celta Vigo on August 25.

Ancelotti has revealed when the Brazilian will be back.

“I can’t give a precise day [for Vinicius’ return],” Ancelotti said.

“He’s recovering very well. We won’t force his recovery, but the tear is almost completely [healed]… Next week he’ll start to do some work with the team and we’ll see. I think he’ll be back sooner than the six weeks that was said.”