Liverpool's Alisson Ruled Out for Galatasaray Clash as Slot Prepares for Hostile Atmosphere
Liverpool will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Alisson for a crucial Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening. The Premier League champions return to Rams Park in Istanbul, the scene of a chastening 1-0 defeat during the league phase in September, facing a daunting task without the Brazilian shot-stopper.
Injury Update and Squad News
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson picked up a knock in training and will not be available for the European fixture. "Ali was in the session but unfortunately felt something towards the end," Slot explained. "People looked at it, we decided together it was not good enough to play on Tuesday and there was no use of travelling." However, there is optimism for his return soon, with Slot adding, "There is definitely a chance he could be back for the Premier League game against Tottenham this weekend, as we don't expect it to be a big thing, but it was too much to be available for Tuesday."
In addition to Alisson, winger Federico Chiesa is also absent from the 21-man squad travelling to Turkey. "Federico is also not in the session," Slot noted. "He felt unwell on Sunday evening so did not train with us on Monday and did not travel." This double blow complicates Liverpool's preparations as they aim to secure a positive result in a hostile environment.
Anticipating a Fierce Atmosphere
Slot acknowledged the intimidating atmosphere that awaits his team at Rams Park, recalling the ear-splitting noise from their previous visit. "These fans over here are very impressive," he said. "We noticed that when we played here. The good thing is we've experienced it already once now. That is a positive thing, though the Galatasaray players experience it every home game. For us it was new. When you have the ball, the whistling is so loud, so loud! That was new for me and even for all of my experienced players."
Galatasaray, buoyed by a stunning 5-2 first-leg home win against Juventus in the play-offs, which led to a 7-5 aggregate triumph, are playing in their first Champions League last-16 tie since 2014. Slot emphasised that Liverpool must contend with both the passionate crowd and a skilled opponent. "We don't only play against the fans, but 11 very good players with a very good manager," he stated, highlighting the dual challenge.
Milestone Match for Slot
This match marks Arne Slot's 100th game in charge of Liverpool, a milestone that fills him with pride. "It makes me really proud that I became Liverpool manager and that it's going to be my 100th game," he said. "I don't think I have a bad track record, although sometimes you get a different feeling about that if I have to listen to everything! It's nice the 100th game is such a nice game to play Champions League, last 16, away to Galatasaray."
Should Liverpool secure a victory, Slot would break Sir Kenny Dalglish's club record of wins in the first 100 games, adding extra significance to the encounter. However, he downplayed personal achievements, focusing on the team. "But, as ever, it's never about the manager, it's about the players. I try to prepare them as well as the 99 games before, but it's the players who have to perform. I've been lucky I've been given a very good team last season and this season and I have all the trust that these players will perform at the levels they are used to of a Liverpool team."
The winners of this tie will face either Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain in the next round, adding further stakes to what promises to be a thrilling contest under the lights in Istanbul.
