Liverpool Name Squad for Galatasaray Trip Amid Chiesa Controversy
Arne Slot’s coaching staff have confirmed the travelling party for Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray on October 1, 2025.
Squad list:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman
- Defenders: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Milos Kerkez, Andy Robertson, Jeremie Frimpong
- Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Keyrol Figueroa, Trey Mingi
A likely XI features Alisson in goal, with Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson across the back line. Midfield may see Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister, supporting a front three of Salah, Gakpo, and Isak, while Florian Wirtz provides tactical flexibility on the left. The rotation reflects the looming Premier League clash with Chelsea on October 4.
Chiesa Omission Sparks Outrage
The main talking point is the absence of Federico Chiesa. Signed from Juventus for £10m in summer 2024, the Italian was only added to Liverpool’s Champions League List A on September 26, replacing the injured Giovanni Leoni (ACL tear).
Despite training earlier in the week, Chiesa felt discomfort after the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and was withdrawn from contention. Slot justified the call: “Federico felt discomfort against Palace. It’s not worth risking him here.”
Supporters, though, are furious. Chiesa had built momentum with a goal against Bournemouth and two assists against Southampton, and many expected him to shine in Istanbul. Social platforms lit up with frustration:
- “No Chiesa for Galatasaray? Slot’s throwing away our attack!”
- “Why sign him if he’s benched for a UCL night?”
The hashtag #ChiesaOut even trended briefly, with some critics reviving concerns about squad depth during the post-Klopp rebuild.
Other Absentees
- Giovanni Leoni – long-term ACL injury (out ~12 months)
- Jayden Danns – hamstring injury in U21s action
- Trey Nyoni – allocated to U19 UEFA Youth League
Otherwise, key names like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alisson are fit to start.
Galatasaray Threat
The hosts arrive unbeaten in Turkey but still reeling from a 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Matchday 1. Their danger man could be Victor Osimhen, who returned for 10 minutes against Alanyaspor as a late fitness test. Manager Okan Buruk explained: “We wanted him to experience the pain,” signaling optimism that the striker might feature.
If available, Osimhen could target Liverpool’s back line, where Konaté’s recent errors have drawn criticism.
The Stage in Istanbul
The fiery RAMS Park atmosphere is already being felt, with reports of flares near Liverpool’s team hotel. Slot has urged his players to show “character” and embrace the pressure to keep their European ambitions on track ahead of a clash with Real Madrid.
Key Question
Liverpool remain Premier League leaders but face rising scrutiny after mixed UCL form and injury woes. Without Chiesa’s creativity, can Slot’s men summon enough firepower to overcome Galatasaray’s intensity — and silence their own restless supporters?
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