Alisson of Liverpool sidelined for Champions League match against Galatasaray due to training injury.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not made the trip to Istanbul for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Galatasaray due to an issue sustained during training.

The Brazilian is reported to have experienced slight discomfort following the Monday morning session at the AXA Training Centre, leading to the decision to avoid risking his participation in Turkey.

Alisson has already been absent for nine matches this season due to injury.

This situation paves the way for Giorgi Mamardashvili to make his first appearance since the FA Cup victory over Barnsley two months ago, marking one of only 10 starts since his arrival in the summer.

Nonetheless, he has played in four of the eight Champions League matches so far, including one as a substitute for the injured Alisson during the 1-0 loss away to Galatasaray in September.

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The Georgia international has recorded two clean sheets in his 10 starts, achieved in consecutive matches against Real Madrid and Aston Villa in November while Alisson was still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Liverpool’s only other significant absentee was forward Federico Chiesa, who was absent from training after being an unused substitute in Friday’s FA Cup victory at Wolves.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had to leave the match due to a knee issue but managed to train prior to traveling with the squad.