Liverpool’s preparations for their high-stakes Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Galatasaray have been rocked by a late injury blow. Number one goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not traveled to Istanbul after sustaining a fitness issue during Monday’s final training session at the AXA Training Centre.
Late setback at the AXA Training Centre
The Brazilian international was a glaring omission from Arne Slot’s 21-man traveling squad. It is understood that Alisson felt “minor discomfort” following the Monday morning session at the AXA Training Centre. In a move of extreme caution, the decision was made not to risk the 33-year-old for the journey to Turkey.
According to The Times:
“While the problem is thought to be minor, Liverpool decided not to risk the fitness of the Brazil No1, who has already suffered separate issues this season.”
This caution is understandable given Alisson’s injury record this term, but it leaves the Reds without a vital big-game player against the very side that defeated them 1-0 in the league phase back in September.
Mamardashvili to step up
The injury hands a massive opportunity to Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian international is now set to make his first appearance since the FA Cup win over Barnsley two months ago. While Mamardashvili has only made 10 starts since his summer arrival, he is no stranger to the Champions League stage, having featured in four of the eight matches so far including a substitute appearance for Alisson in that September defeat to Galatasaray.
As Joyce noted regarding the lack of recent minutes for the deputy:
“That allowed Mamardashvili to have a run in the first team, but he has made only one appearance for Liverpool since the end of November which came against Barnsley in the FA Cup third round.”
Mixed news: Mac Allister in, Chiesa out
There is a silver lining for Arne Slot elsewhere in the squad. Alexis Mac Allister, who was forced off with a knee problem during the 3-1 FA Cup win over Wolves, was able to train and has traveled with the team.
However, forward Federico Chiesa will miss the trip. After being an unused substitute at Molineux on Friday, the Italian was absent from training on Monday and was not included in the 21-man list.
Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz continues to build match sharpness after his return from injury, and Hugo Ekitike is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested on Friday.
Alisson Becker: Liverpool injury history
Alisson’s reliability on the pitch remains world-class, but his availability has been hampered by recurring issues. Below is a summary of his significant layoffs during his time at Anfield:
Season Injury Type Games Missed 2019/20 Calf Strain 11 2020/21 Hamstring / Hip 10 2023/24 Hamstring Muscle 15 2024/25 Hamstring (Sept – Nov) 12 2025/26 Muscle (Current) TBD
Liverpool’s 21-man traveling squad
Goalkeepers: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Misciur.
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez, Frimpong, Nallo.
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones, Nyoni, Morrison.
Forwards: Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Wirtz, Ngumoha.
Arne Slot and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister are scheduled to address the media in the pre-match press conference at 18:15 GMT. We will be providing live updates as they speak on the goalkeeper’s condition and the team’s outlook for the knockout stage.
