LFC Live - Liverpool given early Real Madrid boost with key man to miss Champions League tie

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Real Madrid have lost Antonio Rudiger to injury(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool have been given an early boost as they look ahead to November’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.

Los Blancos saw defender Antonio Rudiger pick up an injury after returning from playing Germany during the international break, and he looks unlikely to return in time for the Anfield tie.

Rudiger started both Germany games as they begun their World Cup qualifying campaign.

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

“Following tests carried out today on our player Toni Rudiger by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris muscle of his left leg,” a Real Madrid statement read.

READ MORE:Atletico Madrid handed injury scare before Champions League clash with LiverpoolREAD MORE:Xabi Alonso reunited with Liverpool legend making rare public appearance

The club said the full extent of the injury was “pending,” but early reports indicate he won’t be back until early December - weeks after Madrid come to Anfield.

Manager Xabi Alonso started with Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad on Saturday, but believes his team still has plenty of options at the back.

Rudiger picked up his injury in training(Image: Real Madrid via Getty Images)

“I keep a close eye on the youth academy because it's very close by,” he said.

“I talk to [Real Madrid Castilla boss Alvaro] Arbeloa and they often come up with us, but we also have players in the team who can fill that position, such as [Raul] Asencio, David [Alaba], Aurelien [Tchouameni], and even Alvaro (Carreras) could play.

“If necessary, we'll definitely keep an eye on the youth academy.

“It's a shame about Rüdiger.

I'll have to stop talking.”

Madrid had Dean Huijsen sent off against Real Sociedad on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

Despite Rudiger’s injury and a first-half red card for Huijsen, Madrid won 2-1 on Saturday to preserve their 100 percent record in La Liga.

They will begin their Champions League campaign at home to Marseille on Tuesday night, and also have European matches against Kairat and Juventus before travelling to Anfield on November 4.

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