Real Madrid Dealt With Huge Blow As Influential Defender Will Miss Liverpool Clash

• Reports have suggested that Ferland Mendy will miss the Champions League clash against Liverpool
• The news will come as a severe blow to Carlo Ancelotti, who now faces Jurgen Klopp without one of his key players
• Mendy will also likely miss the clash against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey

Real Madrid have suffered a huge blow, with left-back Ferland Mendy set to miss the upcoming UEFA Champions League knockout stage with an injury.

The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his side's Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid last week, and was expected to recover in time for the tie against Liverpool.

However, Football Espana reports that the Frenchman will now need to undergo surgery and will thus miss the Champions League round of 16.

Real Madrid released an official statement on Tuesday, and Spanish Publication Diario AS noted that the former Lyon defender will be sidelined until April at the earliest.

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This means that Mendy will miss the Champions League quarter finals if Madrid eliminate Liverpool and will not feature against El Clasico rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals.

It is however possible that Mendy may recover to face the Catalan giants in the second leg of the Spanish Cup at the Camp Nou.

Who will replace Mendy?

Should Mendy be unavailable against Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti would have no natural left-back but would resort to versatile defender Nacho Fernandez for the clash.

Eduardo Camavinga, who was deployed as a makeshift lateral defender in the absence of Mendy, is another potential option.

When will Madrid face Liverpool?

Real Madrid will travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool on February 21 before they host the six-time champions at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 15.

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It will be a repeat of the 2022 Champions League final - which ended 1-0 in favour of Los Blancos.

Casillas unhappy with Madrid attackers

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas is unimpressed with Real Madrid's attacking trio, Sports Brief has reported.

The Spanish giants have experienced inconsistent performances this season and have lost ground to Barcelona at the top of the table.

Real Madrid's disappointing goalless draw with Real Sociedad has not set well with the former goalkeeper, who is frustrated with the club's front three.