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Liverpool is set to face the first of two Spanish challenges in the Champions League on Wednesday, as it welcomes Atletico Madrid to Anfield, with a clash against Real Madrid looming in November.
Arne Slot will be keen for his squad to kick off their campaign on a high note in a competition that Liverpool have clinched six times in their history, despite an early exit in the round of 16 last season. Diego Simeone's Atletico have previously given them a run for their money under former manager Jurgen Klopp, including a memorable knockout in 2020 just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A victorious start would position the Reds well for the remainder of the Champions League group stage, during which they are slated to face Real – now under the stewardship of ex-Red Xabi Alonso – in the first week of November.
When the draw was announced, all eyes were immediately on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was potentially facing a return to his old stomping ground with the club he chose over renewing his contract with Liverpool.
However, this anticipated reunion is now uncertain due to a hamstring injury Alexander-Arnold sustained within the first five minutes of Los Blancos' Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday night. The extent of the full-back's injury is yet to be determined.
After Alexander-Arnold's departure from the pitch, he was replaced by seasoned player Dani Carvajal. However, the Spaniard was later shown a red card for head-butting opposition goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli with 21 minutes remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu.
UEFA regulations stipulate that a player or team official who is sent off by the referee is automatically suspended for one match in UEFA club competitions.
As such, Carvajal will be absent from the pitch when they face Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty on Tuesday, 30 September.
However, in cases of serious offences, like the Spaniard's headbutt, a UEFA disciplinary body has the authority to increase this punishment.
This could potentially result in the offender's ban being extended beyond a single match.
Consequently, Real may find themselves in a predicament six weeks ahead of their journey to Merseyside to take on Liverpool at Anfield.
If Alexander-Arnold's injury test results are negative and he faces an extended period out of action, coupled with a possible extension of Carvajal's suspension from one match to three, Alonso could be left without a clear first-choice right-back when it comes time to pick his squad against the Reds.
Slot has Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Rio Ngumoha all primed and ready to capitalize on this potential weakness in Real's defence.
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