Real Madrid Announce Squad for Liverpool Clash – SIX Key Players Missing | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Squad to Face Liverpool: Golden Opportunity for the Reds?

After the stressful 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday, Liverpool’s attention now turns to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with the current holders, Real Madrid. We all know the poor record that the Reds hold over the European giants, but things might just be a bit different for Arne Slot’s side this time…

Ahead of Wednesday’s clash, Real Madrid have announced their travelling squad and there’s a fair amount of key absentees, which will give Liverpool a huge confidence boost.

SIX Players Missing

Most notably, Vinicius Jr. hasn’t made the squad after picking up a hamstring injury against Real Sociedad. His attacking partner Rodrygo will also miss Wednesday’s clash through injury too, leaving Real Madrid’s attacking options quite sparse.

Liverpool-linked Aurelien Tchouameni will also miss the game through injury, but remains the only midfielder set to miss the game.

Defensively, Madrid have been hit hard. Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eder Militao are all missing through long-term injuries, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with few defensive options to choose from.

To round up, the players missing are: David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.

Threat Still Remains

With that being said, Real Madrid still possess a huge amount of threat even with those players sidelined. Thibaut Courtois has returned from injury in time for this one, whilst Lucas Vasquez has also made a recovery and will likely start at right-back. Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will also start at the heart of the defence and could be in for a real battle against Darwin Nunez.

Madrid’s midfield is still packed with quality too. Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler are all part of the travelling squad.

Kylian Mbappe will lead the line, with other forward options such as Endrick and Brahim Diaz adding some reinforcement.

Predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham, Guler, Mbappe

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Team News

Alisson Becker is still expected to miss this one and will be aiming for a return in time for the Manchester City clash on Sunday. Trent Alexander-Arnold also remains a doubt for the Reds, with Joe Gomez or Conor Bradley set for a big test.

Going forward, Diogo Jota is still sidelined alongside Federico Chiesa, whilst Harvey Elliott’s return adds slightly more attacking reinforcement.

Predicted XI: Kelleher, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo