Real Madrid Faces Liverpool in Champions League with Key Players Sidelined

Coach Carlo Ancelotti defends his handling of Vinicius Jr. as injuries mount before a pivotal clash against the Premier League leaders.

Vinicius Jr. is sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out for up to a month, joining a growing list of Real Madrid absentees, including Rodrygo, Militao, Carvajal, and Tchouameni.
Ancelotti has faced criticism for overplaying Vinicius, but he defended his decisions, citing his extensive coaching experience and the challenges of soccer's demanding calendar.
Despite the injuries, Real Madrid enters the match on a positive note, having secured back-to-back La Liga victories after losses to Barcelona and AC Milan.
Liverpool, currently unbeaten in 14 games across competitions and leading both the Premier League and Champions League standings, presents a formidable challenge for the Spanish giants.
Ancelotti views the injuries as an opportunity for the team to adapt and improve, emphasizing confidence in his squad's competitiveness for the upcoming match.