Liverpool F.C. have been dealt a major injury setback after Alisson Becker was ruled out of their UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray S.K..
The Brazilian goalkeeper did not travel to Istanbul with Arne Slot’s squad for the round-of-16 first leg after picking up a problem during training on Monday.
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, the issue emerged following the team’s final training session before departure. Joyce reported that Alisson complained of discomfort after Monday’s workout and will therefore miss Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with Galatasaray.
Although the injury is believed to be minor, Liverpool’s medical team opted to keep the 33-year-old on Merseyside as a precaution. Even so, his absence comes at an inconvenient time for Slot, as Alisson has often played a crucial role for the Reds in demanding European away fixtures.
Giorgi Mamardashvili set to replace Alisson
With Alisson unavailable, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to step in between the posts. The Georgian goalkeeper, who officially joined Liverpool in the summer of 2025, could make his first appearance since the FA Cup win over Barnsley F.C. two months ago.
Mamardashvili is already familiar with the environment at RAMS Park, having previously come on for Alisson during Liverpool’s 1–0 defeat there in September. With 11 appearances this season, the 25-year-old will now be tasked with helping the team secure a positive result to take back to Anfield.
Ongoing injury concerns for Alisson
Unfortunately for Liverpool, this setback continues a frustrating pattern for Alisson. While he remains widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, his fitness record has been a recurring concern.
The Brazilian has already missed nine matches across all competitions this season, including a spell on the sidelines late in 2025 due to a hamstring problem. Since 2019, a series of muscle, hip and calf injuries have forced Liverpool to frequently rely on backup goalkeepers.
Although the club’s move to sign Mamardashvili was partly aimed at strengthening the position for the future, Alisson’s recurring absences have increasingly raised questions about his long-term reliability at the club.
