Liverpool's Goalkeeper Dilemma Deepens Ahead of Istanbul Showdown

Liverpool suffer a setback as their star keeper sits out Istanbul trip

Liverpool have been hit by another setback ahead of the Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray, with Alisson Becker ruled out of the trip to Istanbul due to a training-ground issue.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister trained and traveled with the squad, having had to leave the previous match early because of a knee problem.

ESPN reported that Alisson will miss the Turkish voyage, bringing his injury absence this season to nine games.

There was no risk taken; Alisson felt minor soreness after Monday morning training at the AXA Training Centre, and head coach Arne Slot decided to keep him behind.

Georgiy Mamardashvili is set to make his first appearance since the FA Cup win over Barnsley two months ago, having started ten times for the club since arriving last summer.

Mamardashvili has played four of Liverpool’s eight Champions League matches so far, including a substitute appearance for the injured Alisson in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in September.

The Georgian keeper has kept clean sheets in two of ten starts, notably when Alisson was sidelined by a knee problem in November against Real Madrid and Aston Villa.

Also read: Slot says Salah can be a model for the team.

Punchline note: If this keeps up, Klopp might start referring to the bench as the "reset button." Punchline two: At this rate, the goalkeeper rotation will require its own agent and contract negotiation.