Alisson Becker will not travel with the team for Liverpool’s trip to Galatasaray, opening the door for Giorgi Mamardashvili to make an impact.
The Brazilian felt some discomfort in training on Monday morning, and the decision was made to leave him behind as the Reds jetted off to Istanbul.
That’s according to Paul Joyce, who reported the news in The Times. He says the problem is ‘thought to be minor’, but the club don’t want to run the risk.
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Arne Slot in the Champions League
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That allows Mamardashvili to deputise in this round of 16 first leg, where he will hope to hand in a statement performance as he eyes the starting role at Liverpool.
Giorgi Mamardashvili can prove Liverpool don’t need Alisson Becker
Since arriving in the summer, Mamardashvili has been Liverpool’s clear number two. His only run in the side came after Alisson sustained an injury back in September, and against Galatasaray no less.
With the Brazilian pondering his future, this game presents an opportunity.
Alisson has been linked to Serie A frequently in recent weeks, and there is a growing sense that a summer transfer isn’t out of the question.
Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker pictured playing during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
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Mamardashvili has been mooted for a loan to get more minutes under his belt but he could yet overtake Alisson as Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper, especially if he impresses in this Champions League tie.
If Slot and the directors deem him ready to step into those shoes, it could spur them to consider an Alisson sale.
Giorgi Mamardashvili explains the need for patience
Before news of Alisson’s injury, a new episode of The Reds Roundtable came out with Mamardashvili.
The Georgian joined by fellow Liverpool signings, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, to discuss their starts to life on Merseyside.
On waiting for his first-team opportunity, Mamardashvili calmly remarks: ““If I don’t play, I don’t mind. I have to work hard every day and that’s it. My time will come for sure. Maybe not this year but my time will come.
“My ex-goalkeeper coach, Jose Manuel Ochotorena when I was in Valencia, told me I have to find balance between ambition and patience, you know. So keep working hard and you never know when your chance is coming.”
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Alisson Becker transfer rumour
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Giorgi Mamardashvili will be watching closely…
Almost like he knew what was around the corner. Alisson could yet return for the weekend’s clash with Spurs, but Mamardashvili is the future of the position and a good performance against Galatasaray could see him receive more minutes between now and the end of the season.
Who knows? It could be the catalyst for Liverpool to negotiate an Alisson sale.
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