Villarreal face Liverpool on Tuesday due to Nicolas Pepe's odd eye injury

Villarreal will be without winger Nicolas Pepe for Tuesday night’s Champions League meeting with Liverpool after the player underwent an eye operation and has not returned to group training. The Yellow Submarine also welcome the return of Canadian winger Tajon Buchanan, who trained on Monday following a recent muscle problem.

Injury woes and squad updates

Pepe, signed on a free transfer a couple of years ago, has been a key creative outlet for the Spanish side. His unusual eye injury means he will miss the Anfield encounter, leaving manager Iñigo Pérez to reshuffle his front line. Buchanan, meanwhile, is expected to feature in some capacity after missing the previous weeks.

Recent form and historic context

Villarreal secured their first Champions League win of the season – and in four years – by overturning a deficit to beat Napoli at home last week. Their earlier loss to Borussia Dortmund and a goalless draw with Elche have left them 12th in La Liga, struggling to adapt to Pérez’s tactics. Liverpool, despite a fifth‑place league standing, are eager to bounce back after a weekend victory at Brentford.

Historically, Liverpool have dominated Spanish opposition at Anfield, winning six of their last seven home games against such clubs, with Real Madrid the only side to prevail in 2023. The last Anfield visit for Villarreal was in 2022, when Liverpool won the first leg 2‑0 and eventually progressed 5‑2 on aggregate.

Beyond the pitch, journalist Jamie has built a decade‑long career in football media. He studied journalism at the University of South Wales and published the football book "Bluebird Heaven" with Pitch Publishing. Since then, Jamie has specialised in football journalism, public relations and Spanish translation, working with companies such as Reach PCL and Iconic Group.

The upcoming clash is a crucial test for both sides, with Villarreal hoping to capitalise on their recent Champions League momentum and Liverpool seeking to reinforce their domestic ambitions.