Liverpool’s First Champions League Away Test: Galatasaray Preview
Liverpool face a challenging opening away fixture in the Champions League phase, traveling to Turkey to take on Galatasaray. Here’s a breakdown of team news, injuries, and likely lineups ahead of tonight’s clash:
Injury & Squad Update
- Federico Chiesa has been left out after failing to complete training due to a minor knock. Arne Slot confirmed he was excluded as a precaution.
- Giovanni Leoni is sidelined for the season with an ACL injury and has been removed from the Champions League squad.
- Jayden Danns (knock), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring), and Trey Nyoni (involved with the UEFA Youth League) are also unavailable.
- Hugo Ekitiké returns to contention after serving his suspension.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Galatasaray
With Chiesa absent and Leoni ruled out, Liverpool may line up as follows:
Alisson
Frimpong – Konaté – Van Dijk – Robertson
Gravenberch – Szoboszlai – Mac Allister
Salah – Wirtz – Gakpo / Ekitiké
Slot could opt to rotate Ekitiké into the forward line or adjust the attack to cover for Chiesa’s absence.
Match Background & Key Challenges
- Galatasaray come into the tie on the back of seven consecutive league wins, though their European form is shaky after a heavy 5–1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
- The intimidating atmosphere in Istanbul presents a major test of Liverpool’s composure and squad depth.
- Arne Slot has defended full-backs Frimpong and Kerkez, stressing that defensive lapses are down to the team as a whole.
Final Word
Liverpool are not at full strength without Chiesa, but the squad still boasts the quality to compete. The main talking points are:
- Who Slot relies on to replace Chiesa
- Whether the attack can function effectively in a hostile away setting
- If Liverpool can grind out a result despite missing several play
