Liverpool’s struggles against Real Madrid are well-documented, with the Reds failing to beat Los Blancos since their 2009 Champions League encounter, suffering seven losses since then. However, all of that could change as Liverpool, the best European team as of now, face their toughest week of the season. The Reds are preparing to take on Real Madrid and Manchester City at Anfield.
So far, Liverpool have handled a challenging November fixture list with relative ease, but things are about to get even more difficult.
Madrid will arrive at Anfield with some key absentees. Vinicius Junior will miss the game after picking up a hamstring injury, and both Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo are also unavailable.
Liverpool, too, face their own injury concerns, with manager Arne Slot missing several key players. The full extent of these issues will likely become clearer on Tuesday, as the Reds undergo their final preparations at the AXA Training Centre.
Journo David Lynch spots important figure still missing.
Fans had hoped for a fully fit squad by now, but reports on X revealed that Alisson Becker remained absent from the main group of goalkeepers training on Tuesday.
Although Alisson returned to training last week, manager Arne Slot had already predicted that the Brazilian wouldn’t feature against Real Madrid, as he wasn’t deemed ready to face Southampton. According to Lynch’s update, that expectation looks to be accurate.
“As expected, no Alisson Becker training with the goalkeepers ahead of Real Madrid’s visit to Anfield,” the reporter stated.
With Alisson still missing, Caoimhin Kelleher is set for a big night in goal at Anfield on Wednesday. The 26-year-old has played in the Champions League before, but never against a team as prestigious as Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s £67m goalkeeper will be fit in time to face Manchester City in the Premier League.
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With Kelleher’s previous standout performance against Real Madrid still fresh in the memory, he will undoubtedly be ready to step up again if called upon. Should Alisson not recover in time for the Manchester City clash, it will be another crucial opportunity for the young goalkeeper to prove his worth.