Previously ruled out Real Madrid player set to start vs Liverpool

The Champions League knockout round encounter between Liverpool and Real Madrid is highly anticipated, as the two powerhouses are ready to share the pitch for the fifth time in the last five years.

The majority of previous games between the teams have not been kind to Liverpool, who have failed to break through the massive Champions League version of Madrid that worries every European behemoth out there.

This encounter will put Jurgen Klopp and his team to the test as they look to put things right. The stakes and expectations are as high as they can be, and overcoming Madrid will not be easy, but it will also not be impossible.

Despite the injuries, Liverpool’s current form has been a significant improvement over past results. Illness have also prevented certain Real Madrid players from flying to Anfield, but one star who has always been difficult for the Reds to hold at bay has recovered just in time.

According to Yahoo Sport, at the pre-match press conference, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was questioned about the condition of Karim Benzema, who had a worrying injury in one of their LaLiga games due to which he was previously ruled out for the clash, to which the Italian responded:

"“I see Benzema looking well, tomorrow he will start.”"

The Frenchman rested throughout Los Blancos’ game against Osasuna in order to recuperate and he returned just in time.

With Ancelotti’s confirmation that Benzema would start against Liverpool, Klopp’s players have a difficult assignment in defending the ball from the striker. The Ballon d’Or winner has already plagued the Reds, and even the smallest error is enough for Benzema to profit on, just ask Loris Karius.

In addition to following the sides to stop players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes, two key Champions League performers, the Liverpool defense, which has seemed quite wobbly and unreliable this season, will need to keep the Real Madrid striker at bay.