Galatasaray-v-Liverpool-UCL Arne Slot of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool at the Rams Park on September 30, 2025 Istanbul Istanbul Turkey Copyright: xYagizxGurtugx
Liverpool lost Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike against Galatasaray as both players couldn’t complete the UEFA Champions League game in Turkey.
Ekitike’s concern seemed like a cramp as at the moment Arne Slot was clueless when the referee blew the whistle as the Frenchman went down.
“I think at that moment in time, on the other side, there was someone on the floor as well, so the referee blew his whistle and I wasn’t even thinking we had an injury, but Hugo felt something”, Slot told the press.
The Dutch gaffer was more sceptical of Alisson’s case as the manager expected the worst. Slot announced soon after the match that the goalkeeper wouldn’t be available against Chelsea.
“Normally, he will not be able to play on Saturday. That’s 99.9 per cent – I’ve already said 100 per cent, but let’s make it 99.9, think it’s 100.”
Federico Chiesa is another player whose recovery might boost the team. The Italian suffered a knock against Crystal Palace and didn’t travel to Turkey for the Champions League clash.
Liverpool injury news as Slot prepares for Stamford Bridge
In his pre-match press conference, Slot provided updates on three key injured Liverpool players. Chiesa and Ekitike might be back for Chelsea, but Alisson’s situation looks worse.
“Alisson is not a part of the squad tomorrow. And he’s not going to travel to Brazil as well for the national team. So, he will be out for Saturday.”
Ekitike has been selected in France’s squad for the international break and might feature against the Blues. However, the Dutch gaffer said he’ll need to check after the last training session before the clash.
“Hugo is going to train today again, and let’s see where he is, and the same can be said for Federico. We have to wait and see after the session where exactly they are.”
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Alisson Becker’s recovery timeline
Alisson’s injury is a big blow to the Reds; however, the club still hold capable goalkeepers who can cover the Brazilian. Slot also talked about the 33-year-old’s return, and the timeline seems significantly larger than expected.
“That depends also on how fast the recovery goes. So, Saturday it’s clear, he’s not going to play for Brazil, and I would be surprised if he would be there in the first game after the international break.”
“But from there on, sometimes things can go a bit faster or a bit slower. It’s always difficult to say the number of days and weeks, but for the upcoming games, he will not be part of the US or the Brazil team.”
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