Liverpool’s Chiesa and Alisson Miss Galatasaray Clash Due to Injury and Illness

Liverpool will be without key players Federico Chiesa and Alisson Becker for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday. Manager Arne Slot confirmed both players were left behind due to separate issues.

Chiesa’s Absence Due to Illness

Federico Chiesa was ruled out of the match due to illness. Slot explained that Chiesa wasn’t feeling well the day before the game, but anticipates he will be available for the weekend. “I expect him to feel better now because he didn’t feel well the day before the game and I think we are now three or four ahead,” Slot stated. “So, I think he is capable of training with us again today.”

Alisson’s Hamstring Discomfort

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is likewise unavailable for the Galatasaray match, experiencing discomfort in his hamstring during a training session. Although the discomfort was described as minor, the medical staff deemed it best for him to remain in Liverpool for this match. Slot expressed hope that Alisson would be fit for their next game, stating, “But as always, the games follow one another so quickly that he had to miss the one against Galatasaray and we hope that he will be available and ready for Sunday.”

Liverpool’s Champions League Campaign

Liverpool is looking to improve upon their previous encounter with Galatasaray, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat in the group stage. The team will aim to secure a positive result in Istanbul as they begin the knockout stages of the competition, with the final taking place in Budapest in May.

Chiesa’s Season Performance

Despite his recent setback, Chiesa has made 29 competitive appearances for Liverpool this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. However, he has only been in the starting XI for five of those matches.

Sources: Yahoo Sports, This Is Anfield, Liverpool.com, MSN