Liverpool could find themselves unexpectedly facing Federico Valverde this evening, after Zinedine Zidane told the Liverpool Echo that the midfielder was ‘fully fit’.
Valverde has missed training all week, leading to suggestions that he wouldn’t be able to face off against Liverpool.
But it seems that the 22-year-old could well be able to start against Jurgen Klopp’s side now, in what looks a boost for Madrid.
“He is fully fit,” he said. “He is 100%. So he’s with the team and being considered. We will have a think about how we are going to deal with everything tomorrow, but he’s certainly fit.”
Liverpool tried to out-run Madrid’s midfield in the first-leg and they are likely to adopt a similar tactic at Anfield later.
Although Liverpool’s strategy didn’t quite work in Spain, there must be hope that Klopp’s side can put up a better fight in more familiar surroundings.
Their task of out-working Madrid will be made harder if Valverde is included though.
The Uruguayan is the most youthful member of Madrid’s midfield and possesses great energy.
If he does start, Liverpool could find it even tougher to create opportunities to get at Madrid’s makeshift backline.
And his availability will surely only make Zidane even more confident that his side can hold out against a comeback later.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
