Real Madrid injury concerns grow ahead of Liverpool trip

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, April 14, 2021
Adjust font size:
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (R) vies with Barcelona's Sergio Busques during a Spanish league football match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, on April 10, 2021. (Photo by Edward F. Peters/Xinhua)

Real Madrid travel to Liverpool on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Liverpool without several key players out through injury as they look to defend the 3-1 advantage they took in the first leg.

Sergio Ramos is suffering a muscle problem and on Tuesday morning the club also announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Raphael Varane is still sidelined after testing positive for Covid-19 a week ago, while Lucas Vazquez is also out after a knee injury picked up in Saturday's 2-1 win at home to FC Barcelona ended his season.

Although Dani Carvajal is back in training after his long injury layoff, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has decided not to risk him at Anfield and Carvajal has been left out of the squad along with Eden Hazard, who Zidane doesn't want to risk after a long run of muscle issues.

The absence of Vazquez and Carvajal means Alvaro Odriozola, who replaced Vazquez against Barcelona, will probably cover at right-back, although Zidane could opt to play either Ferland Mendy or Marcelo on the right even though both are naturally left-footed.

Meanwhile, Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao will continue in central defense after solid displays in the first leg and against Barcelona, and B-team defender Chust has been included in the squad as extra cover.

The good news for Real Madrid is that midfielder Fede Valverde, who also limped off at the weekend, has recovered from a bruised foot and travels with the rest of the squad. 

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter