Liverpool Rocked by Alisson Injury Blow Ahead of Galatasaray Clash—Team News and Expected XI
Liverpool are seeking a contrasting result when they return to Galatasaray's RAMS Park for their second Champions League encounter this campaign.
The narrow 1–0 loss in September didn't derail the Reds' European journey, though it would preview the club's struggles during a lackluster Premier League title campaign. They were held at bay by Okan Buruk's seasoned squad, who are savoring their first knockout stage appearance in over a decade.
Liverpool bounced back from a shocking loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers the previous week by defeating the same team in Friday's FA Cup fifth round clash. They continue competing across three competitions, with fans hoping for a more extended European campaign than last term, when they fell to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain at this identical phase.
Wirtz Ready for Recall?
Wirtz Ready for Recall?
Florian Wirtz was sidelined for three matches due to a back problem picked up during warm-ups before Liverpool's clash against Nottingham Forest last month.
The German midfielder has found his form in 2026 and returned to action Friday at Molineux, coming on as a second-half replacement. Slot now faces the decision of whether Wirtz is prepared to reclaim his starting position. Nevertheless, the Dutch coach might stick with the same midfield combination that powered their championship run last season, featuring the consistently excellent Dominik Szoboszlai operating in an attacking midfield capacity.
The away side will be missing first-choice keeper Alisson, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will guard the goal on Tuesday evening. The Brazilian isn't making the trip to Istanbul after feeling discomfort during Monday's training session.
The team expects Alexander Isak to return for the campaign's final stretch, though Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo probably won't feature until summer arrives.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Galatasaray
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Galatasaray
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—The Georgian will earn his second start at RAMS Park, having come on as Alisson's replacement during the group stage loss.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—The dynamic presence along Liverpool's right flank has found it challenging to build chemistry since his arrival, yet Frimpong offers a distinctive attacking threat who might help spark an occasionally sluggish Reds offense.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté will probably bear the responsibility of containing Osimhen across both matches, with their duel potentially determining the knockout tie's outcome.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The vulnerabilities in Van Dijk's game, which have surfaced somewhat regularly this season, might be targeted by the exceptional Osimhen, so the Dutch captain needs to deliver solid displays to prevent the Reds from falling into difficulty.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Though Andy Robertson impressed in the FA Cup, the Hungarian might get the nod if Slot prioritizes vitality over veteran presence.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch enters the match for his first appearance since penning a substantial six-year deal, which allegedly places him among Liverpool's top earners.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister didn't receive much rest last week as his scoring streak ended in the West Midlands. Expect him to appear somewhat fatigued.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah's omission from the group stage defeat made headlines, but the Egyptian has endured difficulties throughout the 2025–26 campaign and only found his first Premier League goal of the year last week. Nonetheless, the winger is poised to become Liverpool's all-time Champions League appearance leader on Tuesday evening.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—The Hungarian has been exceptionally impressive in this tournament, recording a team-leading eight goal contributions during the group phase. He's guaranteed a spot in the XI, and Slot might deploy him in the playmaker position until Wirtz becomes available.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Rio Ngumoha is presently contributing more to this Liverpool side than Gakpo, but Slot will undoubtedly restore his fellow Dutchman to the left wing after deploying him centrally on Friday evening.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—The French striker benefited from some valuable rest last match and should therefore be energized in Istanbul.