Liverpool dealt MAJOR injury blow ahead of Real Madrid

Liverpool have been dealt yet another injury blow with games against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League on the horizon.

Following injuries to Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa, Arne Slot will now be without another first-team star for the next few games in all likelihood.

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Kostas Tsimikas has been battling it out with Andy Robertson for the left-back spot all season long with the Scot not commanding the position as he used to.

Greek defender Tsimikas has done well when afforded his opportunities as Slot utilises his squad and gives Robbo plenty of rest.

However, it has now been confirmed by Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail that Tsimikas has suffered an ankle injury in training, which looks set to sideline him over the upcoming days

Tsimikas didn't feature in the weekend win at Southampton, being reported absent from the squad, and now it has been revealed that he picked up the knock in training.

Tsimikas competes with Robertson

The 28-year-old has played 11 times in all competitions for Slot this season, putting pressure on long-term first-pick Robertson.

Although it was suggested that Tsimikas could LEAVE the club last summer - with Barcelona and Olympiacos said to be interested - the Greece international has applied himself well to become an alternative in the position.

And with time pushing on for Robertson, Liverpool have required alternatives at left-back at times. That's something Tsimikas has managed to do consistently this term.

Liverpool top of the pile

Tsimikas was particularly impressive in the recent Premier League win against Brighton, with calls for him to be Liverpool's starting left-back following that performance.

Slot has admitted his full-backs will need to be rotated more than players in other positions and on the other side Trent Alexander-Arnold has shared duties with Conor Bradley.

Liverpool have got a packed agenda as the attempt to assemble a challenge for both the Champions League and Premier League this season.

The side face Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, top of the pile in the newly-reformed continental competition, and are EIGHT points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League.

Slot has already had to contend without certain first-team stars this season and the absence of Tsimikas will be another blow.

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