Liverpool's Dutch coach Arne Slot gives a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match against Galatasaray at Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul on March 9, 2026. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Liverpool's Dutch coach Arne Slot gives a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match against Galatasaray at Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul on March 9, 2026. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool team news ahead of the Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
Arne Slot is hopeful that Alisson Becker will be on the Liverpool sidelines for only the short term.
The No.1 goalkeeper has not travelled with the Reds’ squad for the Champions League last 16 first-leg tie against Galatasaray in Istanbul. Alisson picked up an issue in yesterday’s training session and Liverpool have not risked his fitness.
“Ali, of course, was in the session – as many people could see – but unfortunately he felt something towards the end of the session,” said Anfield head coach Slot. And it was, how do you say this… people looked at it and we decided and he decided together that it wasn’t good enough to play tomorrow. And then it’s of no use travelling.”
Slot confirmed that Alisson could be back for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. In the Brazil international’s absence, Giorgi Mamarashvili will started between the posts. Mamardashvili came off the bench in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the league phase of the Champions League when Alisson sustained a hamstring problem.
Slot has several decisions to make when it comes to his starting line-up following a 3-1 win over Wolves in the FA Cup fifth round. Andy Robertson opened the scoring and teed up Mo Salah in the Molineux triumph. Slot must mull over whether to stick with Robertson or bring Milos Kerkez, who has been first choice left-back this season, back into the team.
Slot said: “Robertson played a good game, Milos too. Both played a lot of good games for us. It is a choice for me and you will see tomorrow the decision."
Dominik Szoboszlai started at right-back against Wolves. However, he could be moved back to his central-midfield role, so either Jeremie Frimpong or Joe Gomez could be given the nod in the full-back position.
One player who looks set to start is Alexis Mac Allister, having been on pre-match media duties at Rams Park. Usually, those in the XI are put up to speak to the press.
Mac Allister was key to Liverpool winning the Premier League last term - and harbours ambitions of adding a Champions League winner’s medal to his already impressive haul. The midfielder said: “It’s definitely my dream right now. Of course, it’s a World Cup year and why not to win it twice? But the Champions League is one of the most important goals this season. I think we have a team that can reach that, that can win it, but we need to show it on the pitch and I’m pretty sure the game tomorrow is going to be a tough one.”
Hugo Ekitike was rested against Wolves and is set to return to spearhead the attack. But on the left flank, Slot has to weigh up who he selects. Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old winter, was man of the match at Molineux but Slot may be cautious.
Cody Gakpo has been first choice left-winger this term but out of form. Florian Wirtz can play in the role but he’s only just returned from a back injury.
Continue Reading