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Liverpool and Real Madrid: Key Updates Ahead of Champions League Clash

Liverpool and Real Madrid meet once again under the European floodlights, a fixture steeped in storylines, history and elite-level tension. With both sides dealing with notable injuries, the narrative ahead of this latest encounter is shaped not just by form, but by who is – and isn’t – available.

This meeting marks the 13th competitive clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid, two clubs whose identities are built on nights exactly like this. Anfield, under the lights, carries its own gravity. Yet the Spanish side arrive with a squad capable of absorbing that pressure and using it for fuel.

Photo: IMAGO

Injury Concerns for Liverpool

Preparations on Merseyside have centred heavily around fitness updates. Curtis Jones re-joined training on Monday, offering a potential boost to Arne Slot’s midfield options. However, the head coach remained measured when discussing his involvement, indicating a final call will be made closer to kick-off.

There was confirmation, though, of several absences. Alisson Becker remains sidelined, along with Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak. All three have been ruled out of the tie, with Frimpong and Alisson also expected to miss the weekend fixture. Isak’s situation is less clear, with medical staff assessing whether he may feature among the substitutes later this week, though he has not yet returned to full training.

Giovanni Leoni continues his extended recovery from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury and will play no part in the foreseeable future.

In a significant milestone moment, Mohamed Salah is set to make his 200th appearance at Anfield, reinforcing his status as one of the modern greats in front of the home crowd. Conor Bradley, meanwhile, will need to tread carefully, as another booking would trigger a suspension in the competition.

Real Madrid Adjusting to Their Own Injuries

Real Madrid’s squad situation is no less complex. Franco Mastantuono misses out due to a groin issue, joining David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger on the list of absentees. Their defensive reshuffle has been an ongoing storyline across the season, yet the squad depth remains formidable.

Xabi Alonso, returning to Anfield in the opposite dugout, named a 22-man travelling group. Among them is Trent Alexander-Arnold, making an emotional return after his high-profile switch to Spain in the summer. Alonso indicated the full-back is available for involvement, though he has only recently returned from injury and his minutes may be carefully managed.

The Madrid coach expressed confidence in the qualities Alexander-Arnold brings, highlighting his playmaking range and ability to operate in several zones of the pitch. It adds a compelling subplot to a fixture already rich with narrative threads.

Tactical Questions and Emotional Threads

Much will hinge on midfield control. Liverpool, depending on Jones’ readiness, may aim to assert tempo early, using the crowd as a force multiplier. Real Madrid, experienced in these environments, may instead favour absorbing pressure before applying sharp, decisive counter-attacks.

The emotional resonance of familiar faces returning, combined with each side balancing injury challenges, makes this more than just another Champions League night. It becomes a test of depth, adaptability and competitive maturity.

For Liverpool, protecting Anfield remains a point of pride. For Real Madrid, European away days are rarely daunting. Put simply, these are nights that shape seasons, legacies and headlines.