Real Madrid vs Liverpool [UEFA Champions League]

Team News

Gareth Bale could return to Real Madrid's starting XI for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The 25-year-old, who signed from Tottenham for £85m in September 2013, has not played for his club since 5 October because of a buttock injury.
"He's ready to play. I don't know if he will play from the off or on the bench," said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge is "highly unlikely" to make a comeback despite travelling to Madrid.
Sturridge - who scored 21 Premier League goals last season - has been out of action since September with thigh and calf injuries.
"I brought every player out with us," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
"This game and the game at the weekend against Chelsea are very important for us, and it's a sign that we're very much together.
"We'll work out here over the next couple of days. With Daniel, we'll see how he responds, but it's highly unlikely he'll be fit."

In Bale's absence, Real Madrid have won five successive matches, including victories over rivals Barcelona and Liverpool in their first Group B meeting at Anfield.

Over that run they have scored 19 goals. conceded just two and surged to the top of La Liga, with Isco performing well in the Welshman's place.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored five goals during that time, is just one short of former Real striker Raul's all-time record of 71 Champions League strikes, but manager Ancelotti insists the Portuguese will not be distracted from his team's aims by personal landmarks.
"Cristiano is working hard for himself and the side," he added.
"I don't think he's thinking about the record, he has time - it's not his last game. He is focused on playing for the team."

While Real Madrid have been in a rich vein of form, Liverpool have struggled so far this season. The Reds have suffered defeat as many times as they have celebrated victory this campaign, picking up six of each.
After winning their first three games in Group B, Real Madrid would secure their place in the last 16 with victory. Liverpool, like Ludogorets and Basel, have three points so far and cannot be eliminated by defeat.

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SUSPENSIONS AND INJURIES

Injured Knee - Abner (Real Madrid)
Injured Hamstring - Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Injured Knee - Fábio Coentrão (Real Madrid)
Injured Unspecified - Illarramendi (Real Madrid)
Injured Knee - Jesé (Real Madrid)
Injured Unspecified - Khedira (Real Madrid)
Injured Knee - Flanagan (Liverpool)[
Injured Thigh - Sturridge (Liverpool)
Injured Groin - Suso (Liverpool)
Doubtful Knee - Enrique (Liverpool)
Doubtful Thigh - Sakho (Liverpool)


Match officials

Referee Viktor Kassai (HUN)
Assistant referee György Ring (HUN) , Vencel Tóth (HUN)
Additional assistant referee Tamás Bognar (HUN) , Mihaly Fabian (HUN)
Fourth official Robert Kispal (HUN)
UEFA Delegate Danilo Filacchione (ITA)
UEFA Referee observer Zdravko Jokić (SRB)

Attached Images

• 180px-Liverpool_FC.svg.jpg (11.8 KB)
• Real_Madrid_CF.svg.jpg (14.9 KB)