Arne Slot confirms double Liverpool injury blow after Champions League defeat | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed a double injury blow after his side’s 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

The Reds travelled to Istanbul keen to bounce back after suffering their first league defeat of the season on Saturday.

They started their Champions League campaign with a late victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. However, after Crystal Palace ended their perfect start in the Premier League, Galatasaray did the same in the Champions League tonight.

The only goal of the night came from the penalty spot, with Victor Osimhen coolly dispatching his spot kick in the 16th minute. Slot’s side failed to respond and finished the match without scoring for the first time this season.

Aside from the defeat, Liverpool’s night was made worse by the loss of Alisson to injury. The Brazilian limped off in the 56th minute and was replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

“When he sprinted back he felt something,” Slot explained. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he added: “It’s never positive if you go off like this. You can be sure he is not playing Saturday.”

The Reds travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this Saturday, and Alisson may not be the only absentee.

Forward Hugo Ekitike was also forced off in the second half with what seemed to be a hamstring issue. His manager said: “He felt something when he had to reach for the ball.

“He said he couldn’t continue. Let’s see how he is on the weekend.”

If the Frenchman is unable to play at Stamford Bridge, then Alexander Isak will be the only striker available to Liverpool. The Swedish international’s own match fitness still remains in question after his disrupted pre-season.

Reflecting on the game, Slot continued: “It is disappointing because we play to win and we did not.

“It was a different loss to Palace, for me a lot more to like.

“In the second half it became harder to create because they were fighting with all they had, so credit to them.”