Liverpool hit by a big blow: Alisson injured as Galatasaray edge Liverpool in Istanbul

Injury update and rotation woes for Liverpool

An English press report on Wednesday revealed that Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is unlikely to return soon after an injury sustained in their Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

Head coach Arne Slot, fresh from inheriting a squad built by Jürgen Klopp, is awaiting more details on the severity as the Brazilian keeper was substituted in the second half in Istanbul.

Sky Sports reported that Alisson’s absence could stretch beyond the upcoming international window, according to an initial medical assessment.

Impact on the schedule and lineup

The international break is set to begin after the next round of fixtures and run through October 19, meaning Liverpool will miss league games before regrouping for a high‑profile test against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool are expected to lean on their new signing Jorge Mamardashvili in goal during Alisson’s absence, with the Slovenian‑born keeper arriving from Valencia to help cover the gloves.

Slot explained after the Galatasaray game: “Alisson felt something; I can’t be sure exactly what because I’m not the medical staff.” He added that when a player feels something and can’t continue, it’s not good for him or the team; Slot is hopeful the issue isn’t long‑term, but he’s preparing for a difficult Saturday against Chelsea.

Liverpool will visit Chelsea on Saturday in the seventh round of the Premier League. Slot stressed the need to rotate to avoid overburdening players who did not have a full pre‑season, such as Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Mac Allister.

The Dutch coach also emphasized that having too many players can complicate squad management, but balancing fitness with a stable side remains his current challenge.

Rotational pressure

After a high‑spend summer of around £449m, Slot has vowed to use squad depth more this season, a move seen as a remedy to last season’s fatigue and limited rotation. In Istanbul, Slot fielded Hugo Ékitiké, Jeremi Frinbon, Cody Jakpo, and Curtis Jones instead of Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Mac Allister.

It was the first time Mohamed Salah had been left out of a decisive European match since 2022, a move that drew scrutiny given the Egyptian’s importance in big games.

In the opening season under Slot, the team benefited from the stability of Klopp’s squad, but this year’s challenge is different. Frequent changes have left a perceived lack of on‑field cohesion, a problem Slot says he is addresssing by finding the right balance between rotation and consistency.

Slot believes having a large squad can complicate management, but a careful blend of regulars and fresh legs is essential to maintain pace and shape as the campaign unfolds.

Humor break: If Liverpool’s midfield had a loyalty program, it would still be buffering… because rotation is apparently the new black in football fashion. Punchline two: Slot’s tactic book is so thick the players need a map to find their positions.