Real Madrid drop huge team news hint ahead of Liverpool Champions League clash

Liverpool's attention quickly turns towards the Champions League having extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a win over Southampton. Their midweek opponents at Anfield are old foes Real Madrid, who have given an early team news hint ahead the game.

The Reds travelled to Southampton on Sunday and although it was not as easy a task as some presumed, a second-half Mohamed Salah brace helped Arne Slot's side to claim an important 3-2 victory to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Their record has been just as good as good in the Champions League, as they occupy top spot in those standings too. They face their toughest test in the competition to date later this week - Real Madrid at Anfield.

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Reigning champions Madrid are unbeaten in their last eight games against the Reds, six of those meetings were during Jurgen Klopp's tenure at the club, including the 2018 and 2022 finals - now it is up to his successor Slot to turn the tide.

Los Blancos have not been performing well domestically or in Europe this campaign. Going into the November international break they sat six points La Liga leaders Barcelona, while having taken only six of the 12 points available to them in Europe so far.

Injuries have played their part in that, with key names such as David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Rodrygo all expected to miss the trip to Anfield.

However, they have actually been handed a boost days before they are due to fly with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returning to the starting XI. Carlo Ancelotti was able to call upon the Belgian international for a league meeting with Leganes on Sunday evening - his first appearance in four matches after a recent adductor injury.

Given Courtois heroics to deny Liverpool in the 2022 in Paris that ended 1-0, Reds supporters won't be too pleased with this news.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was unable to make the squad on Sunday. The most recent reports have been suggesting he will return in time to face Slot's team, but will play in defence amidst Real Madrid's current crisis.

Los Blanos were forced to name a makeshift back-four against Leganes. Antonio Rudiger was joined by 21-year-old Raul Asencio in the heart of defence, back-up left back Fran Garcia and midfielder Federico Valverde slotted in at at right back.

Madrid's midfield was made up of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos, while Kylian Mbappe was flanked by Vinicius Junior and 19-year-old Arda Guler in attack.