Alisson has not been included in the 21-man squad to face Galatasaray in Liverpool’s last 16 Champions League tie due to a fitness issue.
The Brazilian was a surprise omission from Liverpool’s confirmed travelling party on Monday, with *The Times*‘ Paul Joyce confirming a fitness issue for the No. 1.
It is an untimely blow, to say the least, with Alisson picking up the issue during Monday’s training session and the club not willing to take a risk.
It means Giorgi Mamardashvili will take his place in the starting lineup, in what will be his second outing against Galatasaray after replacing Alisson on the last visit to Istanbul.
Liverpool’s travelling squad vs. Galatasaray
Goalkeepers: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Misciur
Defenders: Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Nallo, Robertson, Kerkez, Frimpong
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha, Morrison
Federico Chiesa has also not travelled to Istanbul for the European tie after he missed training at the AXA, despite having been left unused against Wolves on Friday.
Chiesa has missed four of Liverpool’s eight Champions League games to date this season due to illness, injury and Arne Slot favouring other options.
While a start would not have been forthcoming for Chiesa on Tuesday, his absence takes another attacking option off the table for Slot.
Thankfully, however, Florian Wirtz is included in the 21-man squad after marking his comeback from a back issue off the bench in the FA Cup win over Wolves.
It remains to be seen if he is in starting contention, but Slot will likely offer a hint when he faces the media in Istanbul at 6.15pm (GMT) on Monday.
Liverpool’s 21-man squad features a handful of academy talent, including Kieran Morrison, Amara Nallo and goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, with Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni also travelling.