Liverpool boss Arne Slot has an easier task than Jurgen Klopp vs Real Madrid

Arne Slot might count himself somewhat fortunate to be in such a favourable position in both the Premier League and Champions League, at least more so than his Liverpool predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutchman has enjoyed such an incredible start to his reign as Liverpool head coach that it has even helped soften the blow felt by their fans after losing their beloved German coach.

Liverpool sit at the summit of both leagues with Slot guiding the Reds to 10 wins in 12 games domestically. They are also top out of the 36 teams in Europe’s prestigious club competition after winning all four of their European ties so far.

Two clashes inside the space of four days could shape the rest of their season, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both visiting their sacred Anfield this week. And fortunately for Slot, one of the most in-form players in the world could be missing for the clash.

Vinicius Junior is expected to miss Wednesday’s showdown on Merseyside after the Spanish champions confirmed he picked up an injury in the 3-0 win over Leganes on Sunday.

A statement read: “Following the tests carried out today on our player Vini Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the femoral biceps of his left leg.”

The biceps femoris is a muscle in the back of the thigh that helps move the hip and knee joints, and that would suggest there is a good chance Vini Jr will not be amongst the travelling party on the plane to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

While his absence would reduce the game’s excitement by a smidgen, it will be welcome news for Slot if he avoids having to face a player of Vinicius’ talents.

The Brazilian has been in sensational form so far this year, scoring 12 goals and assisting another five in 17 appearances for his club – so much so that he has left Kylian Mbappe in his shadow at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He has proved to be Liverpool’s kryptonite – and no one knows that better than Klopp.

The German could only bear witness to his brilliance as Vinicius bagged five goals in as many games against his Liverpool side over the years. The 24-year-old also broke their hearts in the 2021-22 Champions League final when he scored the winning goal. Time and time again, he has proved to be the man for the big occasion for Los Blancos.

With no Trent Alexander-Arnold, he will be relieved that young Conor Bradley won’t have to face the tough test of coming up against explosive winger.

Of course, Real are well-stacked in terms of attacking depth and still must keep Mbappe, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Endrick at bay.

It’s still early days, but it’s another indication that Liverpool’s luck is in – and it might well be the year that they add that elusive seventh European crown Vinicius denied them two and a half years ago to their trophy cabinet.