Liverpool will be without goalkeeper Alisson for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 meeting with Galatasaray after the Brazilian picked up an injury during training.
The 33-year-old suffered the problem shortly before the squad departed for Turkey ahead of Tuesday’s match at RAMS Park.
Manager Arne Slot explained on Monday that the goalkeeper experienced slight discomfort near the end of the session, prompting discussions between the player and the club’s medical department.
After those talks, the decision was made that Alisson would not travel to Istanbul with the rest of the team.
Slot said the situation meant there was little point in the goalkeeper making the trip if he was not able to feature in the match.
Slot hopeful of quick return for weekend match
Despite missing the European fixture, Liverpool are optimistic that the injury will not keep the Brazil international out for long.
Slot indicated that there is a real possibility the goalkeeper could recover in time for Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Tottenham at Anfield.
The Dutch coach suggested the issue does not appear serious, but it was still considered too risky for Alisson to take part in the Champions League game.
The Liverpool manager emphasized that the discomfort he felt during training made him unavailable for the match against Galatasaray.
Mamardashvili set to step in as another absence confirmed
With Alisson unavailable, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start between the posts.
The Georgian goalkeeper has played 11 matches for Liverpool across all competitions this season.
His last appearance came in the FA Cup victory over Barnsley on 12 January.
Liverpool will also be missing Federico Chiesa for the trip to Turkey, as the Italian forward did not travel with the squad due to illness.
Alisson has already missed nine games this season because of injuries.