Real Madrid and Ancelotti to test season-defining experiments in Liverpool clash

Real Madrid face an important period in the season as they look to resolve several injury issues in the coming weeks, while looking to get Aurelien Tchouameni back from injury at the end of the month. However, the next trio of games against Leganes, Liverpool and Getafe could be key to their future prospects.

Although not particularly keen on the position, Fede Valverde will be sacrificed at right-back against both Leganes and Liverpool, says Relevo. He will be tested there during training, while Raul Asencio will also play in central defense during both matches. Butarque will have Luka Modric in midfield, but Carlo Ancelotti will also maintain his current form by starting Brahim Diaz. The Moroccan international has a chance to claim the position in the absence of Rodrygo Goes.

However, if things go poorly against Liverpool, Real Madrid will be left with just two wins from their first five Champions League games, and Los Blancos could decide to enter the transfer market in January. Lucas Vazquez will return as right back in December, but he is their only natural option there. Meanwhile, the absence of Eder Militao in central defense means Asencio and Jesus Vallejo are the only natural options to support Antonio Rudiger for the rest of the season. But once back from injury, Tchouameni will slot into central defense alongside Rüdiger. To that end, Asencio has also been tested at right back as a potential option for the future.