Liverpool's players took in their final preparations before heading to Turkey to face Galatasaray in the Champions League, with Arne Slot getting an injury boost from one of his players
James Findlater Content Editor
11:00, 09 Mar 2026Updated 11:14, 09 Mar 2026
Hugo Ekitike, Ibrahima Konate and Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool react during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray and at AXA Training Centre on March 09, 2026 in Kirkby, England
Liverpool's players took in their final training session before facing Galatasaray in the Champions League(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool’s players conducted their final preparations before heading back to Istanbul for their Champions League last-16 tie against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
The Reds return to Turkey for their first clash in the knockout stages, having already suffered a 1-0 defeat against the same opponent during the league phase of the competition back in September.
Arne Slot and his players will be hoping for a better outcome as they look to take another step towards May’s final in Budapest, although they look to have been handed another potential injury blow ahead of making their way out to Turkey later on Monday.
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As ever ahead of a Champions League tie, Liverpool staged an open training session at the AXA Training Centre - here’s what we spotted…
Chiesa missing
Federico Chiesa was a notable absentee during Monday's session. The winger is of course part of the Champions League squad now, having been initially left out at start of the season, but his involvement tomorrow looks to be in major doubt.
No official reason has been given for his absence yet, with Liverpool's traveling squad set to be confirmed later before Slot speaks to the media at his press conference in Istanbul, where he may shed more light.
Mac Allister worries eased
Alexis Mac Allister may have had a few people a little concerned after making his way off during the second half of Friday's win over Wolves in the FA Cup, having been on the receiving end of a robust challenge from Hwang Hee-chan.
Slot did play down any worries over a potential injury that might have ruled the midfielder out of Tuesday's game in Istanbul, although it still wasn't a given that Mac Allister would be fit.
Alexis Mac Allister in training with Liverpool ahead of facing Galatasaray
Alexis Mac Allister in training with Liverpool ahead of facing Galatasaray(Image: Getty Images)
The 27-year-old walking out onto the training pitch on Monday then was a welcome sight, with then Argentina seemingly feeling no ill effects from that challenge at the weekend, and he should be in consideration as usual tomorrow.
Unexpected face joins in
As usual, there were a few academy players to help make up the numbers during the session, with midfielder Afolami Onanuga among some of the more unfamiliar faces involved on Monday.
But among those stepping out onto the training pitch was the unexpected addition of Jay Spearing. The former midfielder, who now works as a coach with the club's U21s, was decked out in the club's training gear and joined the rest of the squad at the start of the session as Slot spoke to his players.
Spearing, of course, won't be involved in any capacity for tomorrow's game, and he didn't seem to be too heavily involved as the session got underway, with the 37-year-old likely there to fill a gap during any of the later drills - perhaps offering a temporary option in Wataru Endo's absence.
Close eye on Wirtz
Florian Wirtz's return on Friday was certainly welcome, with the German's absence having been felt just a few days' previously during the Premier League defeat at Wolves.
Florian Wirtz in training with Liverpool ahead of facing Galatasaray
Florian Wirtz in training with Liverpool ahead of facing Galatasaray(Image: Getty Images)
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The 22-year-old should be in contention again tomorrow, having joined the rest of his teammates in training on Monday. It was noteworthy that he could be seen deep in conversation with a member of Slot's coaching staff before the session got underway.
No doubt the Liverpool boss will be keeping a close eye on Wirtz to make sure he doesn't suffer any more fitness issues after that scare at Nottingham Forest. With his influence growing on the Reds, another injury is the last thing he needs at this crucial point in the season.