Devastating Injury Crisis Puts Liverpool's Transfer Plans Under the Microscope
Liverpool have announced that primary goalkeeper Alisson will be absent from the squad facing Galatasaray in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 clash, placing additional burden on Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Alisson has served as Liverpool's uncontested first-choice keeper since his record transfer arrival in summer 2018. The Brazilian shot-stopper may be 33 years old, but his exceptional ability remains beyond doubt. During this identical tournament phase last season, Alisson delivered a spectacular performance against Paris Saint-Germain that earned praise from Slot and others, cementing his reputation as the world's finest goalkeeper.
Nevertheless, this dependable presence doesn't translate to his injury history. Alisson's hamstring troubles have plagued him throughout his Liverpool tenure. As recently as October, he was sidelined for eight matches due to a muscle problem.
This unfortunate pattern is exactly why Liverpool acquired Mamardashvili. The promising goalkeeper was purchased in 2024 and joined from Valencia the subsequent summer. Alisson's autumn injury gave the 25-year-old an early chance to demonstrate his capabilities beyond being a backup—it's difficult to argue he seized that opportunity.
With a challenging journey to Istanbul approaching rapidly, Liverpool must once more depend on the somewhat unreliable keeper.
Liverpool's Confirmed Champions League Squad vs. Galatasaray
Liverpool's Confirmed Champions League Squad vs. Galatasaray
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Defenders
Midfielders
Midfielders
Forwards
Forwards
Giorgi Mamardashvili's Troubled Liverpool Beginning
Giorgi Mamardashvili's Troubled Liverpool Beginning
Mamardashvili certainly speaks confidently. The Euro 2024 standout entered his inaugural Anfield campaign declaring his intention to compete with Alisson for the number one position. However, his performances haven't matched his words.
Through 11 matches across all competitions this season, Mamardashvili has allowed 17 goals, recorded three shutouts, and suffered defeat in over half his appearances (six). Liverpool's defensive line has been worryingly vulnerable this campaign, providing minimal support to whoever stands in goal, yet Mamardashvili hasn't handled the shots directed at him effectively.
Considering the pace and direction of attempts Mamardashvili has encountered during his nine Premier League and Champions League matches, a typical goalkeeper would have been anticipated to concede approximately 12 goals. Mamardashvili has allowed 15.
Alisson hasn't reached his commanding peak this season either: Using identical measurements, the Brazilian number one has conceded two goals beyond expectations. Nevertheless, contemporary goalkeeping involves more than shot-stopping alone, particularly for a possession-heavy team like Liverpool.
The primary concern with Mamardashvili is the anxiety he creates when handling the ball, consistently hesitating too long before inviting pressure that catches him off-guard. October's loss to Manchester United was an especially difficult night for the Georgian.
Slot has consistently offered public support for Mamardashvili whenever possible. "In a perfect scenario, you wouldn't require your goalkeeper," he reflected in February. "But fortunately for us, when we do need a goalkeeper, we have an exceptional one [Alisson].
"We've had him for seven years now, and the positive aspect is we don't just have one quality goalkeeper—we also have Giorgi Mamardashvili, a keeper who has the potential to be a number one." He must fulfill that role for Liverpool this Tuesday evening.