Team News: Liverpool could face two Man City legends in Galatasaray clash

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·30 de septiembre de 2025

Team News: Liverpool could face two Man City legends in Galatasaray clash

Galatasaray vs Liverpool: Key Team News Ahead of Champions League Clash

Liverpool travel to Istanbul on Tuesday night to face Galatasaray in a Champions League fixture that promises intensity on and off the pitch. With both sides aiming to make an early statement in Group Stage competition, the latest team news provides clarity on who will be available for selection and where concerns remain.

Ekitike boost for Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike has been included in Liverpool’s 21-man travelling squad after serving a one-match suspension during the weekend defeat to Crystal Palace. The French forward, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, has already delivered five goals in eight appearances and is viewed as a significant option in Arne Slot’s attacking plans.

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Speaking ahead of the match, Ekitike reflected on his versatility and the prospect of forming a partnership with Alexander Isak:

“I’ve been playing in a two-striker composition, one striker, so I can do a lot of things. If we have to play together, I can do that.”

Slot will be encouraged by the 22-year-old’s willingness to adapt, particularly against a Galatasaray side with proven defensive resilience.

Chiesa absence confirmed

While Ekitike’s availability provides relief, Federico Chiesa has not travelled to Turkey. The Italian forward sustained a minor injury during the weekend’s clash with Palace and was unable to complete Monday’s training session.

Arne Slot explained the decision to leave Chiesa behind:

“He got a little niggle in the last game. He tried it today, he was on the pitch in the beginning but couldn’t end the session, so we decided not to take him because in a few days it’s Chelsea again.”

Chiesa had recently been registered in place of the injured Giovanni Leoni for the group stage, but his setback leaves Liverpool slightly light in attacking depth for this fixture.

Galatasaray weighing up Osimhen fitness

Attention in Istanbul turns to Galatasaray’s attacking line, where manager Okan Buruk is carefully monitoring Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker recently returned from an ankle injury, making a brief substitute appearance in Friday’s 1-0 victory away at Alanyaspor.

Buruk remained cautious when addressing the situation:

“Victor continued training. We will see how he was in the last training session today. It is positive that he played 10 minutes in the last match and continued training. We will look at his condition today and make a decision.”

In Osimhen’s absence, Mauro Icardi has been leading the line, scoring five times in seven outings this season. The Argentine has become the focal point of Galatasaray’s attack and remains a threat Liverpool will need to contain.

Galatasaray’s new identity

Galatasaray’s summer investment was significant, with former Manchester City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane arriving to bolster their midfield and wide options. Manager Okan Buruk, now in his fourth season, believes this is a period of transition but insists the Turkish champions are ready to assert themselves.

“We have been through a transitional period but now Galatasaray need to show our identity and we will do that. This will be one of the toughest games we have played. They are a very important, successful team with a successful coach. We want to go out onto the pitch with our own plans and do our best.”

With both squads boasting considerable talent, Tuesday night’s clash in Istanbul is poised to be a pivotal test for Liverpool’s European ambitions and an opportunity for Galatasaray to underline their resurgence.