David Thompson provides instant reaction as Raphael Varane ruled out of Liverpool clash

By Lee Clarke

Real Madrid have been rocked by the news that defender Raphael Varane is out of tonight’s Champions League quarter-final with Liverpool. The centre-back has tested positive for Covid-19 and David Thompson has provided instant reaction.

The Guardian have reported the news that the World Cup-winning defender tested positive for the virus during mandatory testing at the club’s Madrid-based training facility.

(Photo; Quality Sport Images; Getty Images)

Varane was rested for Saturday’s game against Eibar but now looks likely to miss next weekend’s El Classico against Barcelona too.

His absence means that Eder Militao and Nacho are the two options for Zinedine Zidane to use at centre-back; with Sergio Ramos already missing through injury.

Thompson came through the Liverpool youth ranks and he has suggested that it could be an advantage to the visitors now that Varane had been ruled out.

Interestingly, the £150,000-a-week Varane could have been set for an audition in front of Jurgen Klopp during tonight’s game. The player has been linked with a move to Liverpool, according to Diario Madridista.

Last year’s Premier League winners will go in search of another defender during the summer, with Varane thought to be on the radar of the Anfield-based outfit.

Now, Zidane must prepare for the game without the 27-year-old and that will leave his defensive ranks pretty decimated.

(Photo; TF-Images; Getty Images)

Thompson is right to suggest that Liverpool will fancy scoring a few goals but it’ll still be a tough game for the Reds.

Los Blancos still possess some quality players and particularly at the back, Liverpool will need to ensure they keep things nice and tight.

The Champions League is pretty much all Liverpool have to play for now and they’ll certainly take the Varane situation as an added bonus ahead of tonight’s game.