Rodrygo, Courtois, Tchouameni - Real Madrid injury latest as Liverpool crisis emerges

Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League upon the return of the club football as the two European juggernauts lock horns once again, in two weeks. Los Blancos have proved to be a thorn in the side of the Reds after running out victors during their final showdowns in 2018 and 2022.

Arne Slot has since replaced Jurgen Klopp at the Anfield helm and has enjoyed a successful start to life on Merseyside. They first entertain Southampton at St Mary's before the two giants reunite at Anfield at the end of the month on November 27.

Liverpool will be looking to defend their lead at the top of the new-look Champions League when they come up against their foe but it has been a far from ideal start for Carlo Ancelotti's side. As it stands they are six points off the pace in La Liga and have already suffered two defeats in this season's Champions League.

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Injuries are continuing to mount too, including three casualties during their 4-0 win over Osasuna last time out. Defender Eder Militao and Rodrygo were forced off 10 minutes apart in the first-half, before Lucas Vasquez was replaced at half-time.

The trio add to a growing injury list in the Spanish capital with David Alaba and Daniel Carvajal long-term absentees. Thibaut Courtois, who frustrated Liverpool in Paris two years ago, is also sidelined with an adductor injury while an ankle sprain for former Reds target Aurelien Tchouameni will see him miss the trip to Merseyside.

As a result, seven key players will not feature against Liverpool but it doesn't disregard the quality remaining in their ranks. Jude Bellingham will make his first visit to Anfield following the public transfer battle prior to his move to Spain, as well as Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

"It was a good game - we controlled it well from the start," Ancelotti said following their recent win. "From when we opened the scoring, the team looked good. The shame is the injuries in the first half.

"We're assessing them now, and we'll see. Three injuries in the first half is quite strange. The calendar is demanding and doesn't allow the players to rest. They go into games tired, so the risk of injuries is higher."