Liverpool Keeper Alisson Injured in Galatasaray Defeat, Ruled Out of Chelsea Clash

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday, October 4, following a hamstring injury sustained during a 1-0 Champions League loss to Galatasaray on Tuesday, September 30. The Brazil international was forced off in the 54th minute after diving to block a shot from Victor Osimhen, immediately signalling distress to the bench. Manager Arne Slot confirmed the injury, stating, “It’s never positive when you go off like this. You can be sure he’s not playing on Saturday,” with further assessments pending to determine the recovery timeline.

The injury occurred during a frustrating night for Liverpool at Istanbul’s RAMS Park, where a 16th-minute penalty by Osimhen—awarded after Dominik Szoboszlai’s elbow struck Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz—sealed the Reds’ second consecutive defeat. This marks only the second time Liverpool have lost back-to-back games under Slot, who took over in the summer of 2024, following a 2-1 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace on September 27. Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili replaced Alisson in the 55th minute and is set to start against Chelsea, leveraging his experience as a summer signing from Valencia.

Alisson’s injury adds to Liverpool’s challenges, with the goalkeeper having missed over two months last season due to a similar hamstring issue from October to December. The Reds, who started the season with seven consecutive wins across all competitions, including a Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, have struggled to integrate high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, acquired in a $570 million transfer window. A late penalty awarded to Liverpool in the 88th minute was overturned by VAR, further compounding their woes in a match where Mohamed Salah started on the bench.

Also Read: Saeed Ajmal Reveals Pakistan PM’s Cheque to Players Bounced After 2009 Triumph

Despite the setbacks, Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk urged calm. “We’re not so far off last season’s form,” Slot said, noting the team’s control in parts of the game despite disruptions. Van Dijk echoed, “There shouldn’t be panic, but improvement is needed.” Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, face a critical test at Stamford Bridge, with additional concerns over forward Hugo Ekitike, who also limped off in the second half and awaits further evaluation.

Also Read: Host India Leads the Way at ISSF Junior World Cup with 23 Medals