Liverpool head into their first away match of the Champions League league phase with a tricky test in Turkey against Galatasaray. Here’s everything you need to know about possible lineups, injuries, and team news ahead of tonight’s battle:
Injury & Squad News
Federico Chiesa will miss the trip to Istanbul after failing to finish training due to a knock. Arne Slot confirmed Chiesa could not complete the session and was omitted as a precaution.
Giovanni Leoni is ruled out for the season with an ACL injury and is no longer in Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
Other absentees include Jayden Danns (knock), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring), and Trey Nyoni (playing UEFA Youth League) who will also miss the match.
Hugo Ekitiké is available again after serving a suspension.
Possible Liverpool XI vs Galatasaray
With Chiesa out and Leoni unavailable, here’s a strong predicted Liverpool lineup:
Alisson
Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson
Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister
Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo / Ekitiké
Arne Slot may rotate in Ekitiké or change up the attack to compensate for Chiesa’s absence.
Match Context & Challenges
Galatasaray head into the fixture having won seven straight League matches, though their European form has been shaky after a 5–1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The away atmosphere in Istanbul is notoriously hostile, making this a tough test for Liverpool’s squad depth and mental strength.
Slot has already defended his full-backs Frimpong and Kerkez, insisting the defensive issues are a collective responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool won’t be at full strength tonight, especially without Chiesa — but they still have quality and depth to challenge Galatasaray. The key questions now are:
Who Slot trusts to step up in Chiesa’s absence
Whether the attack can still click in a hostile away setting
Can Liverpool get a result despite missing some key players?