Real Madrid vs Liverpool combined XI ahead of huge Champions League final clash as Reds sweat on injuries to key players

LIVERPOOL take on the mighty Real Madrid on Saturday in what promises to be a mouthwatering Champions League final.

Los Blancos fought back in stunning fashion to beat Man City and advance to Paris after overcoming Chelsea in the quarters.

Jurgen Klopp has a number of injury worries ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty

The Reds face LaLiga winners Real Madrid and their star-studded squad in ParisCredit: Reuters

Liverpool have had somewhat of an easier run to the final, beating Inter Milan, Benfica and Villarreal en route to the showpiece in France.

The Reds will be seeking revenge when they take on a Real side who beat them 3-1 in the 2018 final thanks to Gareth Bale’s spectacular brace.

But Jurgen Klopp has a number of injury worries leading into the clash – especially with midfield duo Thiago and Fabinho.

Spaniard Thiago limped off in the 3-1 win over Wolves on Sunday with an Achilles problem and will undergo scans this week to see if he can make it.

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All the crucial info you need for MASSIVE Champions League final in Paris

And Brazilian Fabinho has missed their last three matches with a hamstring injury but hopes to recover in time for Real.

Meanwhile, star duo Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, who did come on to score, were only deemed fit enough for the bench against Wolves.

Neither are believed to be 100 per cent fit, but Klopp and the Kop faithful will be praying both are back in top condition for this weekend.

If all of their top guns are available, Liverpool know that they are a match for anybody in the world.

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However, Madrid’s LaLiga-winning squad contains plenty of star power itself – and ahead of the game we try to go through both to pick our best combined starting XI:

GK: ALISSON (LIVERPOOL)

Madrid No1 Thibaut Courtois has recovered from a sticky start following his arrival at the Bernabeu from Chelsea in 2018 to regain his best form.

But unfortunately for him he misses out to Liverpool’s brilliant Brazilian stopper Alisson – who is arguably the best keeper in the Premier League.

RB: TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (LIVERPOOL)

Has just enjoyed another incredible campaign and just missed out to teammate Mo Salah in the Playmaker of the Season award.

Impossible to leave out.

CB: IBRAHIMA KONATE (LIVERPOOL)

Madrid’s backline simply does not compare to Liverpool’s.

And the Frenchman has been in stunning form since cementing his place in Klopp’s first-team over recent months.

CB: VIRGIL VAN DIJK (LIVERPOOL)

If fit, the Dutchman is another that is impossible to leave out.

Despite his injury problems, he remains one of the finest centre-halves on the planet.

LB: ANDY ROBERTSON (LIVERPOOL)

Just like Alexander-Arnold, he offers so much to Liverpool’s attack and pips Ferland Mendy into our team.

CM: LUKA MODRIC (REAL MADRID)

Despite now being 36, the Croatian continues to age like a fine wine.

The Madrid magician is a game-changer and could have a big impact on Saturday.

The best of the bunch from the Champions League final squadsCredit: The Sun

CM: THIAGO ALCANTARA (LIVERPOOL)

Klopp will be desperate for the ace to recover in time for Paris.

Pulls the strings in the Liverpool midfield and provides plenty of ammunition for the forwards.

CM: TONI KROOS (REAL MADRID)

It was a tough choice between Reds skipper Jordan Henderson for his non-stop work-rate or the German.

But the guile of Kroos just edges it for this starting XI.

CF: MO SALAH (LIVERPOOL)

Even if only half-fit, you can bet your bottom dollar that Klopp will risk it and start the Egyptian.

The Premier League Golden Boot winner is desperate for revenge against Madrid.

CF: KARIM BENZEMA (REAL MADRID)

Must be the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or and has almost single-handedly dragged Madrid through to the final.

He has 44 goals already this term and will be Real’s biggest danger in Paris.

CF: SADIO MANE (LIVERPOOL)

Was a tough choice between the Senegal ace or Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinicius.

But Mane, who has found the net 23 times this season, gets the nod due to his goal output.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk