Ill Real Madrid star flies into Liverpool alone at last minute to take place on the bench for Champions League tie

TONI KROOS has flown into Liverpool at the last minute to make the Real Madrid bench.

The midfielder was thought to have been unavailable for tonight’s Champions League clash due to illness.

Toni Kroos is well enough to make the squadGetty

But he is ready to play after joining up with his team-mates at around 2pm today.

The Germany international reportedly spoke with manager Carlo Ancelotti and staff this morning.

The decision was then made to fly Kroos out alone – just in time to be included in the matchday squad.

It is a big bonus for Real Madrid as the midfielder has missed the last two games with illness.

The club confirmed the late addition to their squad with a statement.

It reads: “Toni Kroos has joined Real Madrid’s squad for tonight’s match against Liverpool, corresponding to the first leg of the Champions League round of 16,” their statement read.

“The German joins the list of players available by Carlo Ancelotti for the match at Anfield.”

Real visit Anfield for the first time since April 2021, when they drew 0-0 with the Reds to reach the Champions League semi-final.

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But the two teams have met more recently – last season’s Champions League final which ended in a 1-0 win to the Spaniards.

Jurgen Klopp is seeking revenge but admitted his side need to produce two top performances across the two legs.

He said: “We need to play two super games to go through. We have to be at our best to stand a chance.

“For Real Madrid it is different — even if they don’t play their best they still stand a chance.

“That’s what is special about them.”