Liverpool will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Galatasaray after the Brazilian sustained a late injury during training.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper did not travel with the 21-man squad that arrived in Turkey on Monday afternoon. According to official club reports and PA Media, Alisson participated in the morning session at the AXA Training Centre but complained of "minor discomfort" shortly before departure. The club opted not to risk the goalkeeper, who has already missed nine matches this season due to various fitness issues.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start at RAMS Park in Alisson’s absence. The Georgian international is no stranger to the hostile atmosphere in Istanbul, having replaced an injured Alisson during Liverpool's 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray at the same venue in September. Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has been added to the bench as cover.
The goalkeeping setback comes as a blow to manager Arne Slot, who will take charge of his 100th match for the club on Tuesday. Slot is currently one win away from surpassing Kenny Dalglish’s record of 62 victories in his first 100 games. While the goalkeeping situation is a concern, the Reds received a fitness boost elsewhere as midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was cleared to travel despite a knee injury sustained in Friday’s 3–1 FA Cup victory over Wolves.
In addition to Alisson, winger Federico Chiesa has remained on Merseyside after missing Monday's training session. Long-term absentees Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Wataru Endo also remain sidelined. Galatasaray, led by striker Victor Osimhen, enters the tie at full strength as they look to replicate their group-stage victory over the English side.