Liverpool have touched down in Turkey ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Galatasaray, but they will have to navigate the hostile atmosphere of RAMS Park without their first-choice goalkeeper.
Alisson Sidelined by Fresh Injury Concern
In a significant blow to Arne Slot’s preparations, Alisson Becker was omitted from the 21-man traveling squad. Although the Brazilian participated in Monday morning’s final training session at the AXA Training Centre, he reportedly reported hamstring discomfort shortly after. The club has opted for a precautionary approach, leaving the shot-stopper in Merseyside for further assessment.
Slot said at his pre-match press conference: “Fede felt unwell last night, Ali was in the session but he felt something towards the end of the session. People looked at it and he decided and we decided it wasn’t good enough to travel. There’s definitely a chance for Sunday. It’s not a big thing but too much for tomorrow.”
This opens the door for Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is set to earn a start in Istanbul for the second time this season. The Georgian international previously stepped in for Alisson during the league phase encounter at this very stadium.
Squad Rotation and Injury Updates
The Reds are also traveling without Federico Chiesa, who was a notable absentee from the open training session. While his status remains unconfirmed, the squad has been bolstered by the return of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old playmaker made a successful comeback in Friday’s FA Cup action and is expected to be in the starting XI on Tuesday.
In the midfield, Alexis Mac Allister has brushed off injury fears. Despite a heavy collision during the weekend’s win over Wolves, the Argentine trained fully on Monday and is available for selection.
Leading the Line
With Alexander Isak still sidelined by a long-term leg injury, the goal-scoring burden falls once again to Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman was rested during the recent Premier League fixture to ensure peak fitness for this European clash.
He will be tasked with breaking down a Galatasaray defense that kept a clean sheet against the Reds back in September. On that occasion, a Victor Osimhen penalty—stemming from a controversial Dominik Szoboszlai handball—was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for the Turkish side.
The “Youth Injection”
Slot has demonstrated his faith in Liverpool’s academy, including several teenagers in the traveling party. Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are joined by prospects Kieran Morrison, Amara Nallo, and young goalkeeper Kornel Misciur to fill out the 21-man roster.
As Liverpool eye a path toward the final in Budapest this May, overcoming the “wall of noise” in Istanbul remains their most immediate and daunting challenge.