Liverpool followers fume at ‘ridiculous’ Arne Slot determination as injured ace to overlook Galatasaray
Liverpool have been dealt a huge injury blow for Tuesday night’s crucial Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Galatasaray and fans are blaming Arne Slot
Arne Slot will be without Alisson for Liverpool’s clash with Galatasaray(Image: Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Liverpool fans have fumed at Arne Slot’s decision to play Alisson in Friday night’s FA Cup game with Wolverhampton Wanderers after it was revealed the goalkeeper will miss Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is poised to take the goalkeeper’s spot for the round of 16 first-leg clash on Tuesday night, as Alisson remains in Merseyside. Brazilian international Alisson participated in Monday’s training at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby but experienced some discomfort toward the end of the session and won’t be risked as a consequence.
This means Georgia international Mamardashvili will step in as goalkeeper at Rams Park, while Liverpool boss Slot anxiously awaits news on the extent of his No. 1’s injury. Freddie Woodman will serve as Mamardashvili’s backup on the bench.
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Some supporters have taken to social media to criticise Slot’s decision to play Alisson in the 3-1 win at Wolves on Friday having also played in a match against the same opposition on Tuesday. Wolves rotated their goalkeeper, with the Premier League’s bottom side replacing Jose Sa with Sam Johnstone with Slot sticking with Alisson.
“Why did he play in the FA Cup?” one supporter asked. “Just ridiculous.” “Played Wolves twice in a week and played Alisson twice,” another added. “Even Wolves benched their first ‘keeper.”
“Well done Slot, playing him in the FA cup when it wasn’t necessary,” said another. The nature of Alisson’s injury remains unclear at this early stage, but Slot will address the media from 6.15pm UK time, reports the Liverpool Echo.
This marks another frustrating fitness hurdle for Alisson, who was sidelined for nearly two months after sustaining a muscle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray during the group stage of the Champions League on September 30.
Increasing injury woes have seen the former Roma ‘keeper miss a total of 20 Premier League matches over the last two full seasons and he has also been absent for five this term.
Federico Chiesa will also not make the trip to Istanbul, having not participated in Monday’s session, which further diminishes the attacking options off the bench with Alexander Isak still recuperating from a broken leg sustained in December.
Young midfielder Trey Nyoni missed Monday’s training session after playing 45 minutes for the Under-21s in their 5-0 victory over Wolves on Sunday. However, Nyoni is part of the travelling squad and is anticipated to be among the substitutes against Galatasaray.
Liverpool travelling squad for Galatasary: Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Ngumoha, Misciur.
