Liverpool Receive Crucial Boost Ahead of Chelsea Clash Despite Alisson Setback
Liverpool head into one of the defining fixtures of their season on Saturday evening when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. What looked like a week of unrelenting bad news has finally brought a glimmer of hope, with Hugo Ekitike declared fit to play after an injury scare in Istanbul.
The Reds arrive in London under immense pressure. Back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Galatasaray in the Champions League have left confidence shaken and questions mounting around Arne Slot’s early reign. Injuries have only added to the gloom, with Alisson Becker’s hamstring problem threatening to derail their campaign. But the sight of Ekitike back in training has lifted spirits, both in the dressing room and among supporters.
The Alisson Blow
Alisson’s injury was the darkest moment of Tuesday night’s defeat in Turkey. The Brazilian pulled up sharply in the second half, clutching his leg before being substituted. Scans confirmed a hamstring strain that will keep him sidelined for at least six weeks — ruling him out of key clashes with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
His absence leaves summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili to make his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old Georgian has already featured in the Carabao Cup and against Galatasaray, but this is a step into the spotlight like no other. For Liverpool, it is a test of whether their long-term investment can deliver immediately.
Ekitike’s Return
On the same night Alisson limped off, Hugo Ekitike also signalled he could not continue. The forward’s withdrawal sparked fears of another long-term setback, but subsequent assessments brought far better news. The Frenchman has trained fully and is available for selection against Chelsea.
Slot described the development as a “lifeline” for Liverpool, who desperately need firepower as they navigate a brutal run of fixtures. With Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah also fresh to start, the Reds still possess an attack capable of troubling any defence.
Mixed Injury Picture
Federico Chiesa, who missed the Galatasaray trip with a minor muscle problem, is expected to return to the squad — another timely boost. However, there is no reprieve for young defender Giovanni Leoni. The summer signing has undergone surgery for a torn ACL suffered on his debut and faces up to a year on the sidelines, a cruel blow to his hopes of establishing himself at Anfield.
The Stamford Bridge Test
While Liverpool wrestle with injuries, Chelsea are under their own pressure. Enzo Maresca’s side have lost consecutive league matches to Manchester United and Brighton, and inconsistency continues to plague them despite victory over Benfica in Europe. Stamford Bridge will be expectant, and the home fans will look to unsettle Liverpool’s new goalkeeper from the outset.
For Slot, this fixture is about more than three points. It is about resilience, response, and belief. Losing Alisson is a nightmare, but the return of Ekitike and Chiesa provides weapons to fight with. If Liverpool can withstand the storm and emerge victorious, the mood around Anfield could transform overnight.
The world will be watching on Saturday evening. Stamford Bridge promises to be a cauldron, and for Liverpool, this is not just another match — it is a test of character, a chance to prove that even weakened, they remain champions.
