Liverpool confirmed that confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Federico Chiesa will be unavailable for the Champions League match against Galatasaray..
2026-03-10 09:33
Liverpool confirmed on their official website on Monday that Brazil international goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Italy international forward Federico Chiesa will be unavailable for this week's UEFA Champions League Round of 16s first-leg match against Galatasaray.
According to Liverpool's official statement, Chiesa missed training camp due to feeling unwell, while Alisson participated in training but informed the team doctor of thigh discomfort after the session.
To avoid aggravating their injury / illness conditions, head coach Arne Slot decided to allow both players to remain in England for medical treatment and not travel with the team to Istanbul for the match.
Slot also confirmed that Georgia international goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal for the match, while England's reserve goalkeeper Freddie Woodman will be the substitute.
The club is still uncertain about Alisson's return date, but the Brazilian first-choice goalkeeper is expected to be fit enough to play in Sunday's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
The news of Alisson Becker's aggravating injury has undoubtedly been one of the most worrying developments for fans in recent years.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been plagued by injuries since suffering a hamstring injury in his left knee in November 2023.
Including this match, this will be the 10th game missed by the Reds' goalkeeper this season, and the 5th time Chiesa has missed a game in Europe's top club competition since the start of the UEFA Champions League League Stage.
Liverpool will face Galatasaray away at Rams Park in Istanbul on Tuesday night.
In their first Champions League League Phase meeting this season, the Turkish Süper Lig giants defeated Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a goal from Victor Osimhen.
Liverpool, who have shown improvement recently, suffered a shock defeat to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. With upcoming matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City (FA Cup quarter-finals), the reigning Premier League champions cannot afford to relax in order to keep their title hopes alive.
Image source: Internet / Liverpool ECHO
