Image Credits: Imago Images
Alisson Becker has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven due to illness.
Giorgi Mamardashvili stepped in to deputise for the Brazilian in goal, returning immediately to the starting XI.
The former AS Roma goalkeeper, who has made 10 appearances this season, recently recovered from a muscle injury sustained during Liverpool’s defeat to Galatasaray in Europe.
During his absence, Mamardashvili performed admirably, but he could not halt Liverpool’s slump, as the Reds suffered five defeats while he was between the sticks.
For the visit of the Eredivisie giants, Arne Slot made two changes from the side that lost to Nottingham Forest, including dropping record signing Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international was replaced by Hugo Ekitike, with the 23-year-old leading the line as Liverpool aim to rediscover their form.
Isak faced criticism after failing to make an impact in his first start since injury, having been preferred over Ekitike for Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Cody Gakpo retained his place in the starting XI, with Mohamed Salah alongside him on the flanks.
Speaking prior to kick-off, Arne Slot told TNT Sports: “Ali is sick, so that is why he cannot [play].”
Liverpool will look to return to winning ways tonight as they welcome PSV Eindhoven to Anfield.
Slot added: “You reflect and you look forward.
“I think we had 75% ball possession so that tells you we don’t have to defend much but we didn’t defend with the quality needed.
“The four or five times we have to defend, it needs to be better.
“The first time was from a set piece and we’ve conceded far too many from them. It’s not a coincidence. In many parts of the game, they do what I expect of them.
“We’ve had little time on the training pitch and the training cannot be as intense as you want.
“I had to say something but I wasn’t the only one who was very annoyed at the way we defended in moments.
“It’s not a problem over the whole game, it’s in moments.
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