Liverpool given early Real Madrid boost as key player ruled out of Champions League tie

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Image Credits: Imago Images

Liverpool begin their Champions League group phase on the 17th September as Atletico Madrid visit Anfield.

The second season of the new format is nearly underway as Europe’s most prestigious competition prepares for another chapter.

Liverpool topped the league phase last year, winning seven out of their eight games at this stage, but their triumph was short lived as they were handed an extremely difficult round of sixteen tie against PSG.

The Reds fought valiantly but a defeat on penalties after the score was tied over two legs meant that Liverpool bowed out of the competition far too early.

This year, Arne Slot and his players will be looking to delve deeper into the tournament, with the aim of repeating Jurgen Klopp’s success in 2019, and all the other managers who tasted European success with Liverpool.

During match day four out of eight this season, Liverpool will face Real Madrid at Anfield.

The Reds faced them last year, also in the league phase, and Liverpool beat Los Blancos 2-0 at Anfield thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.

Whilst the game isn’t till 4th November, Liverpool have been handed an early injury boost as a key player for Real Madrid has been ruled out of the game.

The player in question has been confirmed as Antonio Rudiger.

Rudiger started both games for Germany during the most recent international break.

He played 90 minutes against Slovakia and 82 minutes against Northern Ireland, but the defender has suffered an injury in training after returning to club duty.

Fabrizio Romano posted the update, stating: “Toni Rudiger suffered an injury to the anterior rectus of his left leg and will be now out for around three months.”

“Rudiger will try be back by December, based on recovery evolution… get well soon, Toni!”

Early signs is that Rudiger won’t be back until early December, weeks after his team visit Anfield to face Liverpool.

Despite Rudiger expected to sit the game out, Real Madrid are not short of other options, and as Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao started their most recent game against Real Sociedad, that is most likely the pairing Xabi Alonso will go for if they can stay fit.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone