Liverpool Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Galatasaray Showdown
Liverpool head to Istanbul on October 1, 2025 (rescheduled from September 30) for their UEFA Champions League league-phase clash with Galatasaray. Arne Slot’s side enter the tie on the back of a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, where Eddie Nketiah’s late strike sealed their first league loss of the season. Now, fresh injury setbacks have complicated preparations.
Who’s Missing for Liverpool?
Two confirmed absentees could leave gaps at both ends of the pitch:
- Federico Chiesa (Winger): Slot’s first signing in summer 2024 has been an influential option off the bench, scoring in the 4-2 opener against Bournemouth and providing two assists in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton. But an “injury niggle” from the Palace defeat rules him out. Ironically, Chiesa was only recently added to Liverpool’s Champions League List A to replace another casualty: Giovanni Leoni.
- Giovanni Leoni (Centre-Back): The 18-year-old defender, signed for £26m from Parma, suffered an ACL tear in the September 24 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. Stretchered off after a collision, he now faces up to a year on the sidelines. His composure in early appearances had already impressed fans and staff alike.
Their absence forces Slot to reshuffle — with Harvey Elliott or Ben Doak likely to cover wide areas, while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté must anchor the defence.
The Osimhen Factor
Reports about a “key man needing to experience the pain” do not concern Liverpool, but rather Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, on loan from Napoli.
- After Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Alanyaspor on September 27, manager Okan Buruk confirmed Osimhen played 10 minutes to test his injured ankle, originally hurt in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier vs. Rwanda.
- Buruk explained: “We wanted him to experience the pain,” suggesting his availability against Liverpool will depend on further assessment.
- If fit, Osimhen could be a game-changer, especially against a Liverpool defence missing Leoni and under scrutiny after Konaté’s shaky display at Selhurst Park.
Wider Context
- Injury Notes: Beyond Chiesa and Leoni, Liverpool have no new major long-term concerns. However, U21 striker Jayden Danns was forced off against Ipswich on September 28.
- Squad Boost: Forward Hugo Ekitike is available again after serving a suspension in the Palace match.
- Key Fixtures: After Galatasaray, Liverpool face Chelsea on October 4, making squad rotation critical.
What’s at Stake
Liverpool remain top of the Premier League, but their Champions League campaign has been inconsistent. Victory in Istanbul would be a major boost — though RAMS Park’s famously hostile atmosphere and Galatasaray’s possible attacking reinforcements make this one of Slot’s toughest early tests.
Kickoff: October 1, 2025 – Istanbul.
Follow Liverpool’s official channels or live updates on X for real-time coverag.
