Liverpool manager Arne Slot has offered a reassuring update regarding Alisson Becker, suggesting the goalkeeper’s absence from the Champions League squad is a precautionary measure rather than a long-term setback.
The Brazilian was a surprise omission from the group that traveled to Turkey on Monday for the high-stakes Round of 16 first-leg tie against Galatasaray.
Alongside Alisson, Italian international Federico Chiesa also remained in Merseyside, with the Italian winger sidelined due to illness.
A late setback for Alisson
The decision to leave Alisson behind came as a shock to many, especially after the goalkeeper completed a full 90-minute shift in the FA Cup against Wolves over the weekend on Friday evening. While he initially took part in Monday’s training session, a late feeling of discomfort forced the medical staff to intervene.
Slot clarified the situation to reporters, explaining the timeline of the injury:
“Ali, of course, was in the session, as many people could see. But, unfortunately, he felt something towards the end of the session. 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.”
Despite the immediate disappointment of missing a European knockout fixture, Slot was optimistic about a quick return for his number one. When asked if Alisson could feature in the upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, he added:
“There’s definitely a chance, yeah, because we don’t expect it to be a big thing but it was too much to be available for tomorrow.”
Illness sidelines Federico Chiesa
While Alisson’s issue was a late development on the training pitch, Federico Chiesa’s absence was determined earlier. The forward, who has struggled for consistent rhythm during a stop-start Champions League campaign, did not feature in Monday’s session at all.
“Federico was also not in the session, he felt unwell last night, so that’s why he wasn’t training with us today and not travelling with us,” Slot said.
This marks the fifth time Chiesa has been unavailable during Liverpool’s European run this season. Having remained an unused substitute against Wolves, the illness has denied him a chance to build much-needed match fitness in Istanbul.
Squad Depth and Predicted Lineup
Liverpool enter RAMS Park as the reigning Premier League champions, and Slot is leaning heavily on his squad depth to navigate the “Turk Telekom” atmosphere. While the absences are notable, the Reds’ attacking arsenal remains formidable with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz all making the trip.
In goal, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to deputize for Alisson, protected by a settled back four that includes captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool will look to secure a positive result in Turkey before welcoming Galatasaray to Anfield for the return leg next week.
