Arne Slot confirms double Liverpool injury blow ahead of Galatasaray clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Team News: Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa Absences Explained Before Galatasaray Clash

Liverpool head into a crucial Champions League trip to Istanbul with a slightly altered squad, after Arne Slot confirmed that both Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa will miss the encounter with Galatasaray. The pair were initially expected to be involved after being named in the squad for the FA Cup tie against Wolves, yet circumstances changed quickly in the build up to the European fixture.

Slot’s side continue to balance domestic and continental demands after their Premier League title winning campaign in 2024-25, and squad management remains essential. The absence of Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa offers an interesting subplot ahead of Liverpool’s latest European test.

Alisson Becker Injury Concern Before Galatasaray

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker travelled through most of Monday’s training session before discomfort forced a cautious decision. The Brazilian had completed the full 90 minutes against Wolves in the FA Cup, which initially suggested he would start again in Istanbul.

Slot clarified the situation while speaking to reporters.

“Ali, of course, was in the session, as many people could see. But, unfortunately, he felt something towards the end of the session,” Slot said.

“People looked at it and we, and he, decided that it wasn’t good enough to play tomorrow and it’s of no use travelling.

“There’s definitely a chance [he can return vs. Tottenham] because we don’t expect it to be a big thing, but it was too much to be available for tomorrow.”

Photo: IMAGO

From a Liverpool perspective, caution makes sense. Alisson Becker has already missed 10 matches this season, and protecting one of the world’s most reliable goalkeepers remains a priority during the decisive stretch of the campaign.

Federico Chiesa Illness Rules Him Out

While Alisson Becker’s issue arrived late in training, Federico Chiesa’s absence was more straightforward. The Italian forward did not participate in Monday’s session at all.

Slot explained the situation succinctly.

“He felt unwell last night, so that’s why he wasn’t training with us today and not travelling with us.”

Federico Chiesa has endured a stop start Champions League campaign this season, and this match against Galatasaray will mark the fifth time he has missed out since the league phase began. The former Juventus winger was an unused substitute against Wolves, but illness ended any chance of involvement in Turkey.

For Liverpool, depth in attacking areas softens the blow. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz all travelled with the squad.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.