Real Madrid suffer devastating setback ahead of Liverpool clash as key player ruled out for Champions League holders

Real Madrid have suffered yet another injury blow ahead of their Champions League clash against Liverpool this week.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have had to battle an injury crisis this season, with defenders Daniel Carvajal and Eder Militao both suffering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in recent weeks.

David Alaba is still yet to recover from the same problem he suffered last November, while Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo are also currently absent.

But Los Blancos have been dealt yet another hammer blow ahead of their crucial fixture against Liverpool.

The club have confirmed in a statement that Vinicius Junior has been diagnosed with a left hamstring injury and will not be available for the trip to Anfield.

The statement reads: "Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Vini Jr, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. His progress will be monitored."

The Champions League holders have had a surprisingly slow start to this season's competition, losing two of their opening four group games.

After their 3-1 defeat at home to AC Milan last time out, Ancelotti's side are now placed 18th and on course to qualify for only the play-off stage if their form doesn't improve.

Carlo Ancelotti pictured during Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Leganes (Image: Getty)

Liverpool, meanwhile, are top of the standings and are the only team to win all four of their opening games. Arne Slot's side have scored 10 goals and conceded just once so far.

According to Marca, Real will likely play one of Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler or Endrick as a partner to Kylian Mbappe up front. Rodrygo is set to miss out on the match although his unavailability has yet to be officially confirmed.

Diaz has himself come back from a recent injury, but scored five goals in two games on international duty with Morocco. Guler, meanwhile, started on the right side of attack in Real's 3-0 win over Leganes on Sunday and is perhaps most likely to get the nod.