The Merseyside club were paired with the Spanish giants from Madrid during the previous drawing of lots for the tournament’s group stages.
The Anfield ground will be the venue where the Liverpool squad will welcome Xabi Alonso’s team on the fourth of November later this year. However, one of the squad’s important defensive players will be absent for the match.
Alonso will not be the only individual with Liverpool connections returning to familiar territory, as Trent Alexander-Arnold is also set to play at his former home stadium for the first time as a professional.
Real Madrid missing key defender for Liverpool visit
The academy product transitioned from playing for Liverpool to representing Real Madrid during the recent summer transfer window. His departure occurred initially without a transfer fee upon the conclusion of his agreement with the Reds.
Subsequently, Real Madrid disbursed €10 million (£8.4 million) to secure the services of the defender one month prior to the end of his pre-existing agreement. This move ensured his availability for participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure caused displeasure among some Liverpool supporters, as they expressed reservations about his conduct during his exit from the club.
Conversely, some individuals held the opinion that Alexander-Arnold was entitled to pursue the most favorable contract terms and embrace a different set of challenges after achieving triumphs in the Champions League and Premier League with his childhood team.
The international player from England has been involved in each of Real Madrid’s initial trio of La Liga encounters in the current campaign, maintaining a flawless win record at the Santiago Bernabeu venue.
One of Alexander-Arnold’s fellow team members will be unable to participate in the Anfield game, as it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger has suffered a muscular injury in his left leg.
Rudiger is expected to remain out of action for about three months, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, which means he will be unavailable for the match against Liverpool.
The former Chelsea player has taken part in no fewer than 48 games for Real Madrid in each of his three seasons spent in the Spanish capital, appearing in 50 games throughout all competitions during the previous season.
As a result of his injury, Madrid’s options for central defense primarily consist of Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao. They are supported by David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni, even though the latter two are not typically considered natural center-backs.
Liverpool led the league standings in the prior season and will try to secure a place in the top eight once more during the current year.
