Why is Alisson Becker Not Playing for Liverpool Tonight in UCL?

As Liverpool prepares for a revenge clash in the Champions League against Galatasaray in the round of 16, they have had concerning news about a key starter. Manager Arne Slot delivered it in his pre-match press conference that goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not travelled with the squad to Türkiye. It comes as a spanner in the works for the Reds, who are still in contention for two titles and are involved in a race for Champions League football. However, it also opens the door for deputy Giorgi Mamardashvili to impress between the sticks.
Before the first leg of the mouthwatering tie, learn what’s the latest on Alisson Becker injury and how it will affect Giorgi Mamardashvili’s long-term status at one of the best football teams, Liverpool.

What is Alisson Becker’s injury?

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has suffered a last-minute training ground injury, according to Arne Slot. “Ali, of course, was in the session as many people could see, but unfortunately, he felt something towards the end of the session," Slot said.
"People looked at it, and we decided, and he decided together, that it wasn't good enough to play tomorrow. And then it's of no use travelling,” he confirmed Alisson wouldn’t be a part of their plans against the Turkish giants.
However, he was hopeful that Alisson could be back quicker than expected, according to Slot. "There's definitely a chance, yes, because we don't expect it to be a big thing, but it was too much to be available for tomorrow," Slot added when asked if he expects Alisson back for the Tottenham game on the weekend.
Liverpool will also be without Federico Chiesa, who missed the plane to Türkiye due to illness.

A big chance for Giorgi Mamardashvili to impress

Giorgi Mamardashvili made a big switch to Liverpool in the summer with plenty of hopes. But he was realistic as well, knowing he couldn’t straight away replace Alisson Becker in goal. This was meant to be a development season, but the Georgian international could very well make the number one role his own with solid performances while Alisson Becker injury casts further doubts on his long-term future.
The Champions League winner has often been injury-prone over the past couple of seasons.

With different hamstring and muscle injuries, he missed plenty of games. Even this season, he missed nine games through injury. Mamardashvili even made his Champions League debut against Galatasaray mid-game as Alisson hurt his knee after a challenge. Mamardashvili then had a run in the team during which he kept back-to-back clean sheets against Aston Villa and Real Madrid. He impressed with his ability to save some crucial shots, but his ball-playing skills were in question. He had eight straight games in the team but had to drop to the bench as soon as Alisson Becker returned.

However, Alisson's form has been patchy as well. Often the safest hands in the world during 1v1s, he was at fault for two of Liverpool’s latest defeats against Man City and Wolves. He has failed to save -3.85 goals so far this season. It prompts the board to take a huge call, given a quality keeper like Mamardashvili is waiting in the wings.

The keeper last started against Barnsley in the FA Cup in January and was not given a look-in afterwards. With Alisson Becker’s latest injury, he might be thinking his time has finally come. The first job on his hands is to keep a clean sheet against Galatasaray and help his side build a commendable advantage.