When Real Madrid come up against Liverpool in UEFA Champions League round of 16, it is expected to be a great spectacle of football. Two of the most historic clubs in the game, they have contested two finals in recent years, with Los Blancos winning on both occasions. It will be interesting to see how things turn out this time around.
Real Madrid currently sit level on points with Barcelona on the La Liga table, although they are behind on goal difference. On the other hand, Liverpool are not enjoying a good season though and have struggled in the Premier League, and there is a possibility that they might not even finish in the top 4 this time around.
Thus, this Champions League campaign is even more important for Jurgen Klopp’s side, but going into the tie, Real Madrid have to be considered as the heavy favourites to go through. And the Reds have been handed another major worry ahead of the clash between the two sides.
As reported by the Daily Mail (via Metro), Liverpool fear Virgil van Dijk could miss the first leg of the Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
Liverpool handed major scare ahead of Champions League tie against Real Madrid
It would not be a stretch to say that Van Dijk is Liverpool’s most important player and if he ends up missing the first leg against Real Madrid, it would be a massive blow for Klopp’s team.
Van Dijk suffered an injury in the recent game between Liverpool and Brentford, and while it was not expected to be a major issue initially, it appears that it is a more serious problem than first thought.
There have been suggestions that Van Dijk could be out of action for up to six weeks. The first leg between Liverpool and Real Madrid is scheduled to be played on February 21.