Alisson Becker Injury Rules Keeper Out of Champions League Trip to Istanbul

Alisson Becker has been excluded from Liverpool's squad for the Champions League tie against Galatasaray following a training ground setback at the AXA Training Centre.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Galatasaray after failing to travel to Istanbul due to a training ground issue. The Brazil international reported minor discomfort following a Monday morning session at the AXA Training Centre, leading the medical staff to avoid the risk of including him in the traveling party to Turkey. This latest Alisson Becker injury marks the tenth time he will be unavailable this season, having already missed nine previous fixtures across all competitions.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to replace him in the starting lineup, marking the Georgia international's first appearance since the FA Cup victory over Barnsley two months ago. Mamardashvili has recorded only 10 starts since his summer arrival, though he has featured in 50% of the club's eight Champions League matches this term. One of those European appearances came as a substitute for Alisson during a 1-0 loss away to Galatasaray in September. In his 10 total starts, the replacement keeper has secured two clean sheets, both occurring in November during consecutive matches against Real Madrid and Aston Villa while Alisson was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Liverpool Squad Fitness and Midfield Updates

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been cleared for the trip to Istanbul despite being forced off with a knee problem during Friday's FA Cup win at Wolves. The Argentine international was able to participate in training before the squad's departure. Conversely, forward Federico Chiesa was a notable absentee from the training session. Chiesa remained an unused substitute during the recent victory at Molineux and did not join the group for the final preparations ahead of the European clash.

Arne Slot’s side enters this fixture following a successful FA Cup response to a previous Premier League defeat against Wolves. The manager described the performance as a perfect reaction to the midweek loss. The upcoming match represents the first leg of the knockout stage, with the Reds looking to improve upon their previous 1-0 result in Turkey earlier this season.

Mamardashvili’s Statistical Impact and European Record

The selection of Mamardashvili brings a goalkeeper with specific Champions League experience this season into the fold. Having played in four of the eight continental fixtures to date, the Georgian has already faced the atmosphere in Istanbul during the group phase. His clean sheet record stands at 20% across his 10 starts, with his most successful period coming during Alisson’s previous hamstring-related absence in late 2025.

Liverpool’s tactical setup will have to account for the loss of their primary shot-stopper for the tenth time this campaign. The decision to leave the Brazilian in England was a precautionary measure designed to prevent the minor discomfort from escalating into a long-term layoff. This allows the medical team to monitor his recovery while the squad focuses on the first leg of the round of 16.

Context of the Champions League Campaign

The 2025/26 Champions League season has seen various shifts in the top scorer rankings, with Harry Kane among the prominent names being tracked. Liverpool's progression to the round of 16 follows a group stage that included the aforementioned 1-0 defeat to their upcoming Turkish opponents. The return of Mac Allister to the training pitch provides a significant boost to the midfield rotation, especially given the absence of Chiesa in the attacking third.

The squad's recent form includes a victory over Wolves in the FA Cup, a result that followed a league loss to the same opponent earlier in the week. As the team prepares for the quarterfinal draw of the domestic cup, the immediate focus remains on navigating the first leg in Turkey without their first-choice goalkeeper. The AXA Training Centre sessions on Monday morning served as the final fitness test for several players, ultimately determining the travel roster for the flight to Istanbul.