Alisson injury a major blow as Liverpool lose first-choice goalkeeper for Galatasaray last-16 first leg | OneFootball

Liverpool have suffered a major setback, with Alisson ruled out of the Champions League last-16 first leg at Galatasaray. According to Goal.com, the Brazilian is absent from a 21-man travelling squad for the trip to Istanbul.

He trained on Monday but felt discomfort at the end of the session, so he will not be risked. The timing is tough for Arne Slot, in his second season, after Alisson’s 32 outings this term including Friday’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Wolves. Federico Chiesa also missed Monday’s training, reducing attacking options.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal, the Georgia international joined from Valencia for £25 million and has made 11 appearances during Alisson’s previous layoffs. One came against Galatasaray in the league phase, when he replaced Alisson in the second half of a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul earlier this term.

Freddie Woodman will step up as understudy on the bench, with youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni among the travelling party. The selection underscores a blend of experience and youth, leaving limited senior cover behind Mamardashvili.

Galatasaray arrive buoyed by a dramatic playoff win over Juventus. UEFA’s Appeals Body has banned their fans from the return leg at Anfield after misconduct in Italy. For the first leg in Türkiye, the atmosphere should be intense as Okan Buruk’s side look to repeat their 1-0 win from earlier in the competition.

Liverpool’s recent domestic inconsistency, including a Premier League defeat to Wolves, adds pressure on Slot’s tactical plan in Istanbul.

Source: Goal.com