Kylian Mbappe (centre) plays with Real Madrid in Liverpool. © APA/afp / PAUL ELLIS
Liverpool FC will host Real Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League on Wednesday (9 p.m.). The defending champion from Spain is traveling to the premier class hitter on the island with injury concerns.
27. November 2024
From: apa/dl
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti is missing numerous players. In addition to long-term injuries such as David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr. is also out. The Brazilian suffered a muscle injury in his left leg in the 3-0 win against Leganes in the Spanish championship on Sunday and will be sidelined for several weeks. Ancelotti is missing his most accurate player in Liverpool; Vinicius has already scored twelve competitive goals this season.
With Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Co., Real still has enough star and offensive power in its ranks, but Bellingham has remained pale so far in the fall. The 21-year-old is now expected to step into the breach at home in England, especially since the Royals only have six points after four rounds and have already lost twice.
Vinicius Jr. will be out for weeks. © APA/afp / OSCAR DEL POZO
At least keeper Thibaut Courtois is healthy again, and Ancelotti is also hoping for Lucas Vazquez and Aurelien Tchouameni. “We will see whether Lucas and Tchouameni get fit in time. If not, we have to decide.” Federico Valverde could once again fill holes defensively instead of playing in midfield, while Raul Asencio, a player from Real’s second team, could play in central defense.
Wrong motzt bei Liverpool
With Liverpool, the superior Premier League leader is also at the top in the Champions League with a flawless twelve points. Another threesome would be a big step towards the top 8 or direct qualification for the round of 16. Coach Arne Slot’s team has only lost once and drawn once in the 18 competitive games of the season so far. “The chemistry between the entire team and the new coach is right. Hopefully we keep winning and win something at the end,” said LFC star Mohamed Salah.
Does Mohamed Salah still have a future at Liverpool? © APA/afp / PAUL ELLIS
However, there have recently been discords surrounding the Egyptian. The 32-year-old, whose contract expires in 2025, made his dissatisfaction with the slow negotiations clear at the weekend. “It’s almost December and I haven’t received an offer from the club yet. So I’m probably more outside than inside,” complained Salah, who is currently in impressive form, as his twelve goals this season prove. The striker had previously repeatedly said that it would be his last year in Liverpool.
CL: Wednesday’s games
Red Star Belgrade – Stuttgart (6.45 p.m.)
Sturm Graz – Girona
Aston Villa – Juventus (21.00)
Bologna – Lille
Celtic – Club Brügge
Dinamo Zagreb – Dortmund
Liverpool – Real Madrid
Monaco – Benfica
PSV – Shakhtar Donetsk
