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Liverpool's Champions League rival Real Madrid has been dealt another injury blow, with Dani Carvajal ruled out for approximately four weeks.
The Spanish full-back is already suspended for the Anfield encounter, compounding the problems at right-back for Xabi Alonso, with former Reds defender Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined for up to six weeks. Speaking of Alexander-Arnold, Madrid's stance on selling the England international has emerged.
Carvajal received his marching orders during the team's 2-1 victory over Marseille following an off-the-ball altercation involving goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. He faces a minimum one-match ban, though UEFA could extend this punishment if the governing body of European soccer considers the incident sufficiently serious, potentially ruling him out of the November 4 showdown against Liverpool.
Any further sanctions would likely force the Spanish team to improvise at right-back, with Federico Valverde expected to fill the void.
Los Blancos renew hostilities with their European counterparts once more, following their previous final encounters and Arne Slot's side's crucial triumph during last season's league phase.
The 33-year-old was withdrawn on the hour mark during Saturday's devastating 5-2 Madrid derby defeat to Atletico.
Sunday's confirmation revealed he faces up to four weeks on the sidelines with a calf problem.
Real Madrid's medical statement read: "Following tests carried out today on Dani Carvajal by Real Madrid's medical department, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg. His progress will be monitored."
The upcoming trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty in Madrid's next Champions League game presents new challenges for Alonso.
Madrid's players are heading to Eastern Europe with a robust squad, including David Alaba, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, and former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen as defensive options.
Liverpool looms on the horizon, and Alexander-Arnold is racing against time to be fit to face his old club, while Carvajal awaits a decision on any additional sanctions.
Madrid's defeat on Saturday meant the team missed an opportunity to extend its lead at the top of La Liga, and Barcelona could overtake Madrid with a victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Reflecting on the derby disappointment, Alonso admitted: "It was a bad game, we didn't play well either collectively or under pressure, we weren't at the level we should have been.
"We're in a building phase, today is our first defeat, and we have to draw conclusions from what happened, but there are no excuses, we're hurt, it's a derby, and a deserved defeat. We weren't on our game, we were lacking a gear, and the defeat hurts."
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