Key Real Madrid duo to miss Champions League clash against Liverpool

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By Martin Graham | 19th Feb 2023

Benzema and Kroos are unlikely to take part in the highly anticipated Champions League tie between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The reigning champions of European club football, Real Madrid, are to travel to England for another face-off with Liverpool. It will be a repeat of last season’s Champion League final, but this time, Madrid will have to overcome their European rivals in the dreaded Anfield stadium.

Real Madrid have been victorious in two Champions League finals against Liverpool, and last season’s final produced fireworks between the two teams that has turned this fixture into a heated rivalry.

On both occasions, Madrid have been able to field a host of world class star players against tough Liverpool sides with enough star power as well. This time, the Spanish giants might be missing some key players against Liverpool.

Madrid’s injury woes comes at a bad time

Benzema scored two goals in Madrid’s win over Elche, but it’s reported that the striker picked up a knock during the game.

This won’t be the type of news Carlo Ancelotti would like to receive concerning his top striker, and it’s expected he’ll want a speedy recovery in time for the Liverpool game.

It is no surprise that the coach has left him out of the squad list ahead of the weekend league game. This omission from the LaLiga game raises concerns about Benzema being match fit for the Liverpool game if he can make it back on time to be included in the squad.

Kroos is another star player who could be missing for Madrid’s game against Liverpool. The German midfield maestro has been a key figure in the midfield for Real Madrid for so many years.

He has missed some games for Madrid after suffering from a terrible bout of gastroenteritis. It has kept him out of training as well, and he is yet to return to training ahead of the weekend league game.

It is reported that he has struggled with an intestinal infection which took a heavy toll on his overall health. He’ll need some time to recover fully and gain back the weight he lost to the illness.

Even if there’s a slim chance that he might feature at some point against Liverpool, there is so much doubt about how match fit he will be.

Carlo Ancelotti will want to have his midfield general available for the game, but he has other top-quality options with his younger midfield players.

There’s some good news for Real Madrid ahead of the clash, Thibaut Courtois makes a return to the first team after suffering an injury that left him out of the squad.