Liverpool Injury News Ahead of Galatasaray Clash as Slot Awaits Update on Mac Allister

 

 

Liverpool are set to face Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, with manager Arne Slot anticipated to select a lineup very close to the one that beat Wolves 3-1 in the FA Cup. That victory propelled the Reds into the FA Cup quarter-finals and helped build positive momentum heading into this European clash at RAMS Park.

Per reports from Ian Doyle in the Liverpool Echo, the squad’s availability remains largely unchanged from the weekend match. Doyle noted that Liverpool should have essentially the same group of players available for the trip to Türkiye as those who advanced in the domestic cup.

While the overall situation looks encouraging, a number of key players are sidelined due to injuries. Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo is facing a prolonged absence after ankle surgery following an injury sustained at Sunderland last month, making it doubtful he’ll feature again this season.

Defensive options are also limited long-term: right-back Conor Bradley had knee surgery in January, and young centre-back Giovanni Leoni is out for the rest of the campaign with a serious ACL injury. These absences continue to restrict depth in certain positions for Slot.

Striker Alexander Isak remains unavailable as he recovers from ankle surgery. He’s making steady progress in rehab and is approaching a potential return to first-team training, but he’s not quite ready yet.

There was brief worry in the Wolves game when Alexis Mac Allister had to be substituted late on, but Slot has downplayed any major concerns about the Argentine’s fitness.

On a brighter note, Florian Wirtz made a substitute appearance against Wolves, marking his return after missing three matches.

Slot is expected to offer more details during his pre-match press conference in Türkiye later tonight.

Galatasaray head into the game buoyed by their recent weekend win over Besiktas, though they have some disciplinary issues, with multiple players at risk of suspension for the return leg at Anfield if they pick up another booking.