Federico Chiesa misses Liverpool training session while Afolami Onanuga trains ahead of Galatasaray clash

 

 

Federico Chiesa was absent from Liverpool’s open training session on Monday morning as Arne Slot’s team intensified preparations for their Champions League match against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.

The ex-Juventus forward did not take part while the rest of the squad trained in view of the media. Slot is expected to provide an update on Chiesa’s condition during his press conference in Istanbul on Monday evening.

Chiesa came on as a late substitute in last Tuesday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Wolves but remained an unused substitute in Friday’s FA Cup win over the same opponents.

Another notable absence was young midfielder Trey Nyoni, who featured in the first half of the Under-21s’ 5-0 victory over Wolves on Sunday under Rob Page.

Aside from Chiesa and Nyoni, Slot reported no additional injury concerns during a relatively light session at the AXA Training Centre. However, it was later confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker sustained an injury and will also miss the Galatasaray game, joining Chiesa on the sidelines.

Florian Wirtz was back in full training after returning to action on Friday night, helping Liverpool secure a 3-1 win at Molineux to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals (with the draw taking place Monday night after the press conference begins). The German international had been sidelined for the previous three matches due to a back problem and is now aiming for his first start since February 14.

Ryan Gravenberch participated in his first session since signing a new contract over the weekend. Fellow midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones were also involved at the £50m Kirkby facility.

Rio Ngumoha, who impressed with 70 minutes against Wolves and is pushing for a starting spot in Istanbul, trained alongside Mohamed Salah. Salah is poised to become Liverpool’s record appearance holder in the Champions League if selected. Defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Jeremie Frimpong, Andy Robertson, and Milos Kerkez were all present, as was academy midfielder Afalomi Onanuga.

Slot is scheduled to address the media at 6:15pm UK time at Rams Park, accompanied by Alexis Mac Allister.