Real Madrid may be forced to make major change for Liverpool showdown

Real Madrid could be forced to start midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back when they take on Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday amid an injury crisis.

First-choice right-back Dani Carvajal is currently sidelined after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament back in October, with the 34-year-old expected to be out of action for around eight months after undergoing surgery.

Lucas Vazquez has deputised for Carvajal in his absence, but he is a doubt for the trip to Anfield after he suffered an injury against Osasuna. As a result, Valverde filled in at right-back against Leganes which was just the fifth time he has played there for Madrid.

Interestingly, the first time he did so came against Liverpool at Anfield in a Champions League quarter-final clash in 2021. Valverde helped Madrid keep a clean sheet that day and he says he is "prepared" to do the same again on Wednesday.

"I really enjoyed the position today," Valverde said after Madrid's 3-0 win over Leganes. "I am available for whatever the coach wants, and whatever the team needs. I tried to watch a lot of videos, a lot of games of my other teammates, of Lucas, of Carvajal.

"Obviously, I am not even close to them but I try to give my best in that position and I try to help the team. During Covid-19 I played at full-back against Liverpool and I was nervous, I think it will be more difficult this time, but I'm prepared."

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is unsure whether Vazquez will be fit to play against Liverpool, but he is confident in Valverde's ability to deal with the Reds' attack. "We don't know about them yet," he said when asked for injury updates ahead of the game.

Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto) Jose Breton/NurPhoto)

"We will see if Lucas and Tchouameni can recover for Wednesday, and then we will make the decisions at the back. Valverde is a fantastic full back. I think after Carvajal and Lucas he’s the best full back in the world.

"His problem is he can play like that in many positions and my problem is choosing his best one for the team." Madrid are also set to be without centre-backs David Alaba and Eder Militao and winger Rodrygo when they take on Liverpool.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article