Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Galatasaray has been compounded by a major injury setback,
with Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike both forced off during the game.
The Reds suffered a 1–0 loss in Istanbul, with Victor Osimhen’s penalty proving decisive at RAMS Park.
To make matters worse, goalkeeper Alisson was substituted early in the second half after feeling discomfort while sprinting back into position.
He was replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili, who made his Liverpool debut.
New signing Hugo Ekitike also limped off later in the game as the Premier League champions searched desperately for an equaliser,
leaving manager Arne Slot with a mounting injury crisis.
Alisson Set to Miss Chelsea Clash
Speaking after the game, Slot admitted Alisson is almost certain to miss this weekend’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
“It’s never positive if you go off like this,” Slot told Amazon Prime. “You can be sure he is not playing Saturday.”
Later, the Dutchman elaborated:
“When he sprinted back, he felt something. Normally, when a player feels something, goes down, and doesn’t come back, it’s not good. I’d say 99.9 percent he won’t play against Chelsea.”
Ekitike Fitness Worry
On Ekitike, Slot was less definitive but admitted concern.
“He felt something when reaching for the ball. At first, I didn’t think it was serious, but after the game he said he couldn’t continue.
We’ll see how he recovers for the weekend.”
A Costly Night in Istanbul
The defeat marked Liverpool’s second straight loss, following their 2–1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.
While disappointed with the result, Slot was particularly frustrated with the performance.
“In the first half we played quite well and could have gone 1–0 up. But the second half was different; there was little playing time and we struggled to build momentum. Small margins are making a big difference right now.”
Liverpool now face the daunting task of regrouping quickly before their clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge,
a game that could prove vital in maintaining their early-season title defence.