Alisson Becker will miss Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray after experiencing discomfort during training.

The Brazilian custodian, widely considered as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, was not included in Liverpool’s 21-man travelling squad for the European clash in Istanbul, inflicting a severe blow to manager Arne Slot.

Alisson participated in Monday’s training session but expressed discomfort later, causing the club to pull him from selection rather than risk exacerbating the situation.

The 31-year-old has been a crucial player for Liverpool this season, appearing in 32 games across all competitions and starting Friday’s 3-1 FA Cup win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Slot will also be without winger Federico Chiesa, who missed the same training session and did not accompany the squad.

In Alisson’s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili is anticipated to start in goal for Liverpool in the biggest European match of his career.

The Georgia international came from Valencia for £25 million and has already appeared 11 times this season during Alisson’s prior injury periods.

One of those appearances came earlier in the campaign, when Mamardashvili replaced Alisson in Istanbul during a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the league stage.

Galatasaray enters the match with renewed confidence following their playoff victory against Juventus.

However, the Turkish team will be without its travelling supporters for the second game at Anfield since UEFA’s Appeals Body imposed a ticket ban following fan misconduct in Italy.

The first leg in Istanbul is still anticipated to be hostile, with manager Okan Buruk hoping to duplicate his team’s previous 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the competition.

Liverpool’s travelling group includes both senior players and emerging academy talent, but Alisson’s absence leaves Mamardashvili as the only experienced custodian.

Third-choice custodian Freddie Woodman will serve as a reserve, and promising talents Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni have also been included to the roster.

Kindly Share

Related Video