Carlo Ancelotti will have to contend with a severely depleted squad as he brings his Real Madrid side to Anfield tomorrow.

Liverpool will be aiming to make another big statement as they take on the defending European champions. Having won their first four outings in the Champions League, the Reds currently sit top of the league phase of the newly-revamped competition, and are well placed to reach the last-16.

Madrid, on the other hand, have had a less-than-ideal start to the defense of their crown, having already lost twice against Lille and AC Milan. They’re not in the best shape on the injury front either, as they arrive on Merseyside.

The Spanish giant named just 19 players in its traveling squad on Monday, with a number of big names missing. Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Jr is the latest to be added to their list of absentees, having picked up a leg injury against Leganes at the weekend that looks set to keep him out for up to four weeks.

With Rodrygo also out, that leaves Madrid somewhat light in the forward areas. It’s in defense though where Los Blancos have perhaps been hit hardest.

Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal are all missing at the moment, although Lucas Vazquez has been named in the squad after returning earlier than expected from what was initially thought to be a muscle tear in his left leg.

Nevertheless, Federico Valverde could be required to fill in at right-back again, while 21-year-old Raul Asencio looks likely to be given another chance alongside Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the defense.

Elsewhere, Aurelien Tchouameni misses out again, with Liverpool fans denied the opportunity to get a closer look at the midfielder who was once courted by the Reds. Jude Bellingham will be in action though, although Liverpool supporters will hope he stays well away from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Despite their lengthy injury list, Real has been boosted by the return of Thibaut Courtois, with the former Chelsea goalkeeper making his return at the weekend. The Reds will have bad memories of the Belgian international after his man of the match display in the 2022 final in Paris.

And while there are a number of big names missing, it will still be a star-studded team that the Reds come up against tomorrow, especially with Kylian Mbappe now in the famous white kit. Arne Slot though will be eyeing up another famous victory as he looks to continue his sensational start as Liverpool head coach.