Vinicius Jr hits out at UEFA as Real Madrid star ruled out of Liverpool clash

Vinicius Jr. has been ruled out by Real Madrid for Wednesday night's Champions League match against Liverpool due to a hamstring injury that led to the Brazilian being dropped from the packed fixture list.

The winger took full part in Sunday's 3-0 win against Leganes but will not travel to Merseyside on Tuesday after the reigning champions said he had suffered “an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg”.

Vinicius is expected to be out for around three weeks and in a post on social media he pointed the finger at executives behind a hectic fixture list that has seen UEFA expand the Champions League by at least two games. He writes: “Crazy calendar. Time to recover.”

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti will also have to make do without Lucas Vazquez and Aurelien Tchouameni for a match that is much more important to them than Arne Slot's Liverpool. The Spanish giants sit in 18th place with the Reds at the top of the table, the only side to still have a 100 percent win record after four rounds.

Real's injuries mean that Francisco Valverde will continue to play in the right back position. Ancelotti jokes that he is the best in the world in that position after those absent. There is speculation about a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool next summer.

'Lucas and Tchouameni… we don't know, but we will try to get them back. The truth is that Fede did very well at the back,” Ancelotti said after the Leganes' victory. Valverde, he is a fantastic full-back. After Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, he is the best right back in the world.

“His problem is that he can play in many positions at this level and the coach's problem is choosing the best position for the team. But I liked him at the back, he has incredible speed. We will see if Lucas and Tchouameni can recover.” If not, we will make decisions.”

Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Eder Militao are also on the sidelines, while Rodrygo is doubtful.

Alexander-Arnold, one of Liverpool's three big names without a contract this summer, is expected to miss the pitch after playing no part in Sunday's come from behind win against Southampton that extended their lead at the top of the table. Premier League expanded to eight points. . Liverpool remains without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.