The first legs of the Champions League play-off round wrapped up this week, and that means we are nearing the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage draw on Aug. 25.
Liverpool will learn who their group-stage opponents are when the draw takes place next Thursday in Istanbul, Turkey. We do know that the Reds will be in Pot 2 for the draw alongside fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham.
With the first round of fixtures scheduled to be played on Sept. 6 and 7, Fabio Carvalho can’t wait to experience a European night at Anfield.
“I’ve heard the Champions League nights here at Anfield are extra special, so I can’t wait for that to come around.
“Alongside the Premier League, it’s the best competition you can play in,” Carvalho told the Liverpool matchday programme. “So yes, I’m really looking forward to that because I feel like that’s everyone’s dream as a little kid, to play in the Champions League.”
Fabio Carvalho can't wait to fulfil a childhood dream when we begin our #UCL campaign next month. 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 17, 2022
The Portugal U21 international has appeared as a substitute in all three of Liverpool’s competitive matches so far this season. He is expected to see more minutes as Liverpool continues to deal with the current injury crisis.
Despite the good news that Roberto Firmino is expected to return for Monday’s match, Carvalho understands that every squad member must be prepared when their name is called.
“I know that I need to be ready to play when needed and also to perform at the highest level. Everyone needs to be ready to perform to their best.
“To achieve what we want to achieve, we need to be able to do that, so everyone needs to be prepared and ready to go.
“There are going to be a lot of games and it’s going to be a bit stop-start with the World Cup, so we’ll just see what happens.”
The 19-year-old came close to opening his Liverpool goal account against Crystal Palace, but his volley from the top of the area just went wide of the post.
Carvalho joined the Reds from Fulham this summer for £5 million, with a further £2.7 million in add-ons and a 20 percent sell-on clause.