Agencies
The Liverpool faithful will be praying that lightning strikes twice against Spanish opposition at Anfield this week when Real Madrid pay a visit for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
Los Blancos travel to Merseyside boasting a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Madrid, where Vinicius Junior bagged a brace and Marco Asensio capitalised on a defensive error to put the visitors firmly in control.
With Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip all occupying spots in the long-term section of Liverpool's infirmary, inexperienced duo Nat Phillips and OzanKabak must prepare for another taxing
Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota continue to battle for the final spot in Klopp's formidable front three - the Portuguese was trusted from the first whistle in the first leg but Klopp may opt for a more creative flair in Firmino this time around. The final spot in Liverpool's midfield three is also up for grabs, as the experienced James Milner and Thiago do battle for the chance to start against the 13-time winners, and it would not be a surprise to see the former get the nod in the absence of Henderson.
With Dani Carvajal (hamstring), Ramos (calf) and Varane (coronavirus) already missing, Real Madrid have been dealt a further injury blow in defence after it was confirmed that Lucas Vazquez's issue in El Clasico was more serious than initially feared, and the makeshift right-back could be out for the season after a cruciate ligament sprain. Having just recovered from a problem of his own, Alvaro Odriozola - usually nothing more than a fringe player - is therefore likely to be handed the daunting task of keeping Mane quiet on Wednesday.
The unlucky Federico Valverde also re-entered the treatment room during El Clasico, but the Uruguay international has a chance of recovering from a bruised foot in time for the second leg, although it will still be too soon for Eden Hazard to take to the field.