Who will replace Vinicius Jr for Real Madrid against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League?

Due to Vini's injury, Carlo Ancelotti will have to find a new support act for Kylian Mbappé against the leaders in the Premier League.

Real Madrid have suffered another injury scare ahead of their Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday (November 27), with star striker Vinicius Jr. is the latest player to spend a period in the treatment room.

It was announced on Monday that the Brazilian has suffered a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out for about three weeks. Vinicius joins fellow first teamers Eder Militão (ACL), Rodrygo (thigh), Aurélien Tchouaméni (ankle), Dani Carvajal (ACL) and David Alaba (ACL) in missing the trip to England.

Carlo Ancelotti will now have to come up with a different plan to deal with without a permanent starter, which he has certainly had ample experience with in recent times.

The Italian announced his squad for the midweek match against the Premier League leaders on Monday, promoting Real Madrid Castlla striker Gonzalo García to the first team in a bid to compensate for Vini's absence. The 20-year-old is unlikely to see game time again against Liverpool, but could an even younger player get the chance to shine?

Will Mbappe replace Vini on the left wing?

Los Merengues are back in form after returning to a 4-3-3 system. Vinicius' injury leaves a gap on the left wing, which Kylian Mbappé, who plays centrally this season, may be looking forward to.

Before the Frenchman's arrival, much attention was paid to how Ancelotti would fit him into the same team as Vini, given the preference of both to play from the left. An away game against one of the strongest teams in Europe could be the perfect opportunity for Mbappé to regularly stake his claim on that role.

The former PSG star has of course been playing as a central striker all season. If he were to move to the left, Ancelotti would have to find a replacement number nine.

Endrick, Brahim or Güler against Liverpool?

The 18-year-old Endrick, who has started just once since joining the club, seems the most logical choice, with the other attack-minded players on the squad for the match, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler, more suited to to play. the right.

However, starting an inexperienced Endrick against the Reds would be a risk, which has led to suggestions that Madrid could switch to a 4-4-2, which they have done at times this season. That would see Mbappé continue the attack, likely being supported by Díaz or Güler behind it.

That scenario would likely see the deployment of a narrow midfield of Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric (or Dani Ceballos), with Ancelotti likely to be cautious against one of the continent's most in-form teams.