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

Real Madrid have been dealt yet another injury blow ahead of their Champions League game against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday (November 27), with star attacker Vinicius Jr the latest player set for a spell in the treatment room.

It was revealed on Monday the Brazilian had suffered a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for around 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 another plan to deal without a regular starter, which he has at least had plenty of experience doing in recent times.

The Italian named his squad on Monday for the midweek game against the Premier League leaders, promoting Real Madrid Castlla striker Gonzalo García to the first team in an effort to cover for Vini’s absence. The 20-year-old is unlikely to see any game time against Liverpool, but could an even younger player be given a chance to shine?

Will Mbappé replace Vini on the left wing?

Los Merengues have bounced back to form after reverting back to a 4-3-3 system. Vinicius’ injury leaves a gap on the left wing, which Kylian Mbappé, who has been playing centrally this season, may well be eyeing up.

Before the Frenchman’s arrival, much was made of 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 stake his claim for that role on a regular basis.

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

Endrick, Brahim or Güler against Liverpool?

18-year-old Endrick, who has started only once since joining the club, appears to be the most logical choice, with the other attack-minded players on the roster for the game, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler, more suited to playing on the right.

However, starting an inexperienced Endrick against the Reds would be something of a risk, which has led to suggestions that Madrid switch to a 4-4-2, which they have done on occasion this season. That would see Mbappé continue in attack, where he would likely to be supported by either Díaz or Güler in behind.

In that scenario, a narrow midfield four of Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric (or Dani Ceballos) would likely be deployed, with Ancelotti likely to be prudent against one of the continent’s most in-form teams.

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