Liverpool Forced to Start Mamardashvili in Istanbul After Alisson Becker Suffers Setback Before Galatasaray Knockout Clash

Liverpool face Galatasaray without Alisson Becker as injury concerns mount for Arne Slot. Discover how Giorgi Mamardashvili will step in for the UCL clash.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 3:58 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from EPL Index

Goalkeeping Crisis at a Critical Continental Juncture

The Premier League champions have been dealt a significant tactical blow just as they prepare to enter one of European football’s most intimidating atmospheres. According to reports from EPL Index, Alisson Becker did not join the traveling squad for the midweek fixture in Istanbul after reporting physical discomfort during Monday’s final training session. This late withdrawal has forced a sudden reshuffle of the defensive unit, placing immense pressure on deputy goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to perform in a hostile environment where the margins for error are razor-thin.

Preventative Caution Amidst a Fragile Injury History

The decision to leave the Brazilian international in England is heavily influenced by his recent struggles with physical durability throughout the 2026 campaign. Earlier this season, the goalkeeper was sidelined for seven weeks following a previous encounter with the Turkish side, a period that saw the club’s defensive stability significantly waver. Liverpool’s medical department is reportedly adopting a strictly preventative stance, prioritizing his availability for the upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham rather than risking a long-term aggravation of the current minor ailment.

Navigating a Volatile and Compressed March Schedule

The timing of this injury setback adds considerable strain to an already demanding calendar for Arne Slot’s squad. Following the immediate challenge at RAMS Park, the Reds must pivot back to domestic duties at Anfield for a fixture with major implications for European qualification. The cycle continues just days later with the decisive second leg of the Galatasaray tie, followed by a demanding away trip to Brighton. This sequence of high-intensity matches leaves the coaching staff with limited options for rotation, particularly in a specialist position where consistency is paramount.