Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed star player Karim Benzema will be available to face Liverpool tomorrow.
Speaking ahead of the first-leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie against the Reds, the Los Blancos boss shared an update on the 35-year-old striker, who missed his side’s 2-0 win over Osasuna.
“We are doing well. We go into the game at Anfield in good shape and with all the confidence in the world,” said Ancelotti.
“Tchouameni had stomach problems.
“Karim, I think, will be fine for that game and Kroos is back in training.
“Carvajal is going to play at Anfield.”
Ancelotti says Benzema will be fine to play against Liverpool
This will come as a major blow to Jurgen Klopp’s men, as their opponents were close to being without the current Ballon d’Or winner.
The Frenchman remains in great form this season, having bagged 11 goals and three assists in 13 La Liga games.
Having missed Madrid’s league match against RCD Mallorca, Benzema returned to face Elche – during which he scored twice in an emphatic 4-0 victory.
He subsequently missed the weekend’s fixture against Osasuna due to muscle fatigue, instead preparing himself to feature against Liverpool.
Hailed by pundit Steve McManaman as an ‘extraordinary football player’, the Reds will need to set up strongly at the back if they are to deal with the 35-year-old.
This won’t be an easy game for Klopp’s side, so everyone will need to be at their best if they are to travel to the Bernabeu for the return leg with the advantage.