Luka Modric will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will look to revive a faltering UEFA Champions League campaign when they lock horns with Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. However, Carlo Ancelotti has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Vinicius Junior is unavailable for the foreseeable future after picking up a hamstring injury. The Brazilian international has joined Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Rodrygo Goes on the sidelines.
However, there is some good news, with Lucas Vazquez back in the travelling squad to take on Liverpool in the midweek UEFA Champions League clash. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti spoke about Vinicius Junior and his squad’s injury crisis.
The Real Madrid manager, “Vinicius got injured at the end of the game. It’s not so significant when, but the fact that he is injured. He has to recover soon and we have to think about the players who will replace him.”
“We’ve had seven cruciate injuries. How can this be avoided? It’s a bit difficult to think about. It’s difficult because it’s not a Real Madrid problem, it’s a general problem. There are many teams also in Spain and England that have a lot of injuries. Everyone handles these things in their own way using different methodologies, but what doesn’t change is the injuries.”
“We have to deal with it. We will try, as we did last year, to make sure the injuries make us better. The injuries to Rodrygo, Lucas Vázquez and Militão against Osasuna have changed the team’s dynamic. It’s not a coincidence.”
While Lucas Vazquez is fit and available, Federico Valverde should retain his spot as the right-back. The Uruguayan international will join Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy in the backline. Thibaut Courtois should take his place between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him.
As for the midfield unit, Luka Modric should return to the starting lineup, replacing Dani Ceballos and joining Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park. Finally, Kylian Mbappe should take his place on the left flank, with Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler joining him in the offensive trifecta.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham; Guler, Diaz, Mbappe
