Liverpool youngster Afolami Onanuga was part of first-team training on the eve of the Champions League tie at Galatasaray.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was one of 19 outfielders involved in Monday morning’s session, earning valuable experience alongside the Reds’ first team.
Onanuga, who joined the club at U11 level, was one of a handful of academy players involved in the session, having only been used off the bench for the U21s on Sunday.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
His limited minutes allowed for his inclusion in the session, unlike Kieran Morrison and Trey Nyoni, who started on Sunday but were later named in the travelling squad to Istanbul.
Onanuga has struggled for consistent minutes this season but joined the likes of Michael Laffey (20) and Lucas Pitt (19) at the AXA ahead of the club’s trip to Istanbul.
The trio were, unsurprisingly, not included in Arne Slot‘s Champions League squad, but rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mo Salah, Florian Wirtz and Co. will not have been taken lightly.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
The headline news coming out of training, however, is that Alisson complained of an issue and was consequently left out of Liverpool’s squad for the first leg against Galatasaray.
The issue is reportedly “thought to be minor,” as per *The Times*‘ Paul Joyce, with the club not prepared to take a risk with the No. 1.
Giorgi Mamardashvili will deputise in Istanbul, with Slot expected to offer an update on the Brazilian when he speaks to the media on Monday night (6.15pm GMT).
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Ibrahima Konaté, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
A few changes will be expected on Tuesday, with Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike all expected to come straight back into the side.
Wirtz trained as normal following his return at Wolves, but it remains to be seen if he is ready to be named in the starting lineup.
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