Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema Playing In Liverpool Clash Doubtful, Says Carlo Ancelotti

Liverpool have been handed a massive boost for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema may not play in the midweek clash.

The 10-time European champions are due to play at Anfield in their third match of the group stage on Wednesday evening.

Bale and Benzema, along with the central defending duo of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, may not take part in Real Madrid's match in Anfield. The former Chelsea manager admitted the players left out of the squad from the squad against Levante will be assessed for the Liverpool clash.

"[Bale] had a problem in his glute. He wasn't comfortable so we preferred to not risk it for this game and we will evaluate it in the next few days. He wasn't left out due to rotation," the Liverpool Echo quoted Ancelotti as saying.

"We now have a few days to evaluate the situation with Bale, [Karim] Benzema, [Raphael] Varane, Sergio Ramos and all those that were out for this game."

"I think we are arriving well into this week. We had a difficult game to prepare here, but we played very well and seriously. We were very concentrated and it all went well. "

"Now we have time to, firstly, recover some players, and then think about the game on Wednesday," Real manager concluded.

With Bale still doubtful, Ancelotti could hand Isco a place in the starting line-up against Liverpool.

Meanwhile, on-loan striker from Manchester United Javier Hernandez could retain his place if the French international still remains on the sidelines.

The news of Bale and Benzema's fitness concerns will come as a welcome boost for Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers will miss his star striker Daniel Sturridge.

The England international is down with a calf strain and is set to spend a further two to four weeks on the sidelines.