Nightmare for Liverpool: Alisson ruled out before crucial Galatasaray tie
Liverpool have suffered a significant setback just before their crucial Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, with Alisson ruled out of the match.
The Brazilian goalkeeper didn’t join Arne Slot’s squad on the trip to Istanbul, paving the way for Giorgi Mamardashvili to step in as the expected starter at RAMS Park.
According to Paul Joyce in The Times, the issue arose after Alisson felt discomfort during Monday’s training session. Joyce reported: “Alisson will miss Liverpool’s Champions League game with Galatasaray having complained of discomfort after Monday’s training session.”
This comes at a particularly bad time, given how vital the Brazil star is to the team—especially in high-stakes European away fixtures.
The update continued: “The goalkeeper has not travelled to Istanbul with the rest of Arne Slot’s squad, which amounts to an untimely injury setback. Giorgi Mamardashvili is in line to deputise.”
It’s especially disappointing because earlier signs on Monday pointed to a relatively clean bill of health heading into the game. Alexis Mac Allister had trained following his knock from the Wolves match, and expectations were for Slot to name a squad very similar to the one that secured a 3-1 FA Cup win at Molineux.
Instead, it’s the club’s top goalkeeper who’s been hit by this last-minute problem.
On a slightly brighter note, Joyce indicated the issue is believed to be minor, with Liverpool choosing caution over risking their No.1, who has already dealt with other injuries this season.
That careful approach is understandable, but it still deprives the Reds of one of their most dependable performers in big games—against a Galatasaray side that already defeated them in Istanbul earlier this campaign.
Mamardashvili, the probable replacement, has seen very limited action lately. As Joyce pointed out: “That allowed Mamardashvili to have a run in the first team, but he has made only one appearance for Liverpool since the end of November which came against Barnsley in the FA Cup third round.”
His lack of recent match sharpness is a clear worry, though the Georgian international has the quality to fill the gap when called upon.
There is some positive news on other fronts: Florian Wirtz is back to full fitness after featuring against Wolves, and Hugo Ekitike is tipped to start after being rested last Friday.
Nevertheless, Alisson’s late withdrawal is a real hammer blow, and it naturally sparks concerns about his availability for the upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
