Liverpool suffer injury blow as key player is ruled out of Champions League clash with Galatasaray | OneFootball

Liverpool will be without key goalkeeper Alisson Becker for their Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray in Istanbul, after the Brazil international sustained an injury during training.

The setback means the Reds' first-choice stopper did not travel with the squad, marking another blow in a season already hampered by fitness issues.

Alisson reportedly experienced minor discomfort following Monday morning's session at the AXA Training Centre, prompting a decision to avoid any further risk. He has already missed nine matches this season through injury.

His absence paves the way for Giorgi Mamardashvili, set for his first appearance in two months since an FA Cup victory over Barnsley, and only his eleventh outing since joining the club in the summer.

Mamardashvili has featured in four of Liverpool's eight Champions League matches this term, including deputising for an injured Alisson in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the league phase in September.

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Alisson Becker has picked up another injury (REUTERS)

He has kept two clean sheets in his ten starts, notably in back-to-back appearances against Real Madrid and Aston Villa in November, during Alisson's previous hamstring absence.

Elsewhere, forward Federico Chiesa was a notable absentee from training, having been an unused substitute in Friday's FA Cup win at Wolves.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, however, trained and travelled with the squad despite picking up a knee problem in the same match.

Liverpool finished third in the league phase of the Champions League, winning six of their eight matches.

However, they will be seeking revenge against Galatasaray after losing to the Turkish side earlier this season.

Arne Slot’s men enter the tie as favourites, though, and know that a victory across two legs would take them into the quarter-finals.

If Liverpool make the last eight, they will face either last year’s winner Paris Saint-Germain or fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea for a place in the semi-finals.