CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Will Kroos play in Real Madrid’s Champions League first leg against Liverpool?
Initially omitted from Real Madrid’s squad as he battled gastroenteritis, Toni Kroos is now feeling better and has travelled to Liverpool for today’s match.
After overcoming a bout of gastroenteritis, Toni Kroos has joined Real Madrid on Merseyside and is among the substitutes for today’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Kroos flies to Liverpool and named as sub
Kroos has missed Madrid’s last two matches with the illness, and was initially left out of the travelling party for Los Blancos’ last-16 first leg at Anfield.
However, the German this morning woke up feeling fit enough to return to action, and flew to Liverpool to link up with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Having missed a week’s training, Kroos has not been included in Madrid’s starting line-up to face the Reds, but he is in contention to make his comeback off the bench.
Ancelotti spoke of concern at Kroos absence
In his pre-match press conference yesterday, Madrid head coach Ancelotti had told reporters of his concern at the prospect of having to face Liverpool without the 33-year-old.
“We’ve been talking about a ‘transition’ [in the Madrid midfield] for a while, but in this case it’s enforced,” Ancelotti said. “We didn’t want that, but you have to deal with it. I’m worried about his absence, because he’s a top player.”
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: live with AS USA
You can follow live-text coverage of Liverpool vs Real Madrid with AS USA’s Joe Brennan. He’ll be building up to the game from about 90 minutes ahead of kick-off, before offering minute-by-minute commentary.
See also:
Video - Liverpool vs Real Madrid data preview:
