Liverpool suffer major injury blow ahead of crucial Galatasaray clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Sweat Over Alisson Becker Fitness Before Galatasaray Clash

Liverpool travel to Istanbul this week with an unexpected concern hanging over their preparations. First choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss the Champions League meeting with Galatasaray after suffering discomfort during training, forcing Arne Slot to reshuffle his plans ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

The Premier League champions face Galatasaray on Tuesday before returning to domestic action against Tottenham at the weekend. While the issue affecting Alisson Becker is believed to be minor, Liverpool will still be wary of taking risks with one of their most important players.

Injury Concern Leaves Liverpool Without Alisson Becker

Liverpool confirmed that Alisson Becker did not travel with the squad to Turkey after complaining of discomfort following the club’s open training session on Monday. As a result, second choice goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will start against Galatasaray in the Champions League tie.

The Brazilian has already experienced injury trouble this season. Earlier in the campaign he was forced off during a meeting with Galatasaray and subsequently spent seven weeks on the sidelines after Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat at RAMS Park.

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Given that history, Liverpool’s medical staff appear keen to take a cautious approach. Slot will hope the decision proves preventative rather than reactive, particularly with a busy schedule approaching.

Galatasaray Test Comes During Busy Liverpool Schedule

The trip to Galatasaray arrives during a crucial period for Liverpool. Slot’s side remain heavily involved in the Champions League while also navigating the closing stages of the domestic campaign.

After the match in Istanbul, Liverpool return to Anfield for a high profile Premier League encounter against Tottenham. That clash could have significant implications in the race for European places.

Liverpool then face Galatasaray again in the second leg of their last 16 tie the following Wednesday, before travelling to Brighton and Hove Albion soon afterwards. The fixture list leaves little room for error, and the availability of Alisson Becker could become an important subplot.

Squad Availability Adds Further Pressure

Alisson Becker is not the only concern for Liverpool ahead of the trip to Turkey. Federico Chiesa also missed training with the squad before their departure on Monday afternoon, leaving Slot with fewer attacking options for the Champions League contest.

Liverpool enter the match looking to steady their recent European form. The Reds lost ground in the Champions League race after a dramatic defeat at Wolves last week. However, they responded quickly with revenge at Molineux in the FA Cup fifth round just days later.

Other results also softened the impact of Liverpool’s setback. Manchester United lost to Newcastle United while Aston Villa were heavily beaten by Chelsea, results that kept the wider battle for European qualification tightly balanced.

For Liverpool, the immediate focus now shifts to Istanbul. Galatasaray are always formidable at home, and without Alisson Becker between the posts the challenge becomes slightly more complicated.

Slot will hope Mamardashvili rises to the occasion while the club monitors the fitness of their Brazilian No1 ahead of a decisive week for Liverpool in both Europe and the Premier League.