Real Madrid star in race against time to get fit to face Liverpool - Reports

Real Madrid right-back Lucas Vazquez is reportedly in a race against time to regain full fitness for his side's clash against Liverpool. The two teams are set to lock horns at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 27.

Vazquez suffered an adductor injury during Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Osasuna on November 9. The 33-year-old was replaced by Luka Modric at half-time and early reports indicated that he would be out for at least a month.

However, according to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic (via DaveOCKOP), Vazquez could return to action earlier than expected. Rai has claimed that the injury is not as serious as previously reported and Vazquez could feature in Los Blancos' crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool.

Vazquez has been playing as a make-shift right-back in Carlo Ancelotti's setup since Dani Carvajal suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury. In the absence of Caravajal and Vazquez, reports claimed that midfielder Federico Valverde could feature at right-back.

Prior to his injury, Vazquez made 16 appearances across competitions, contributing two goals and an assist. His possible return against Liverpool will be a major boost for Ancelotti's side, who have struggled for consistency in the Champions League.

The defending European champions have won two and lost two of their four league phase outings and are 17th in the standings. Liverpool, meanwhile, have won all four games and sit atop the Champions League standings.

Ex-France international highlights what Kylian Mbappe should do to succeed at Real Madrid

Former France international Vincent Candela has advised Kylian Mbappe to put in more effort amid his struggles at Real Madrid. The Frenchman joined the LaLiga giants in the summer as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Mbappe has struggled to hit the ground running in Spain, managing eight goals and two assists in 16 games across competitions.

Candela, a member of France's 1998 World Cup winning team, has advised Mbappe to put in more work to turn around his fortunes at Real Madrid. He said (via Madrid Universal):

"He needs to work more in Spain. He can still grow and become a stronger footballer."

Mbappe has also been omitted from the French national team for the last two international breaks, reportedly due to a disagreement with head coach Didier Deschamps.