Liverpool have confirmed the travelling squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray – but one of our recent scorers has not made the 21-man list.
Liverpool confirm Galatasaray squad
As reported by liverpoolfc.com, the Reds will take 21 players to Istanbul for the second match of the group phase. The full travelling party is:
Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Mac Allister, Salah, Bradley, Jones, Gakpo, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Robertson, Woodman, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha.
Arne Slot’s side began their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield and now face the reigning Turkish champions at RAMS Park.
With both teams targeting early momentum in the group, it promises to be another major European night.
James Pearce noted on X that Federico Chiesa, who struck a late equaliser at Selhurst Park on Saturday, is not included.
He explained: “Despite his recent form, no room for Chiesa. Understand it’s a selection decision, no fitness issues and he’s registered to play having replaced the injured Leoni in the Reds’ CL squad last Friday.”
Liverpool look to bounce back in Europe
Leaving the Italian at home is a bold decision from our head coach, who will rely instead on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak to provide the attacking spark.
Florian Wirtz, who missed a golden chance at Palace, is also expected to be central to our plans in Turkey.
The pressure is on to respond after the Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.
That game once again highlighted defensive concerns, with Ibou Konate singled out by Alan Shearer for a difficult afternoon.
It also comes just weeks after Marc Guehi’s collapsed Deadline Day move left us short of defensive depth, making Giovanni Leoni’s injury is even more of an issue at this stage.
With a hostile atmosphere awaiting in Istanbul, Slot will hope his chosen 21 can rise to the challenge.
After the setback at the weekend, Europe offers the perfect stage to restore momentum but a lack of Chiesa has raised eyebrows.
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Slot is risking a lot of goodwill with his treatment of Chiesa. Anymore dire performances like Saturday and he will have some explaining to do.
He keeps playing Gakpo, his underperforming brother from Netherlands, instead
Some might say, guys, that the Galatasary game doesn’t have the same import as say, the league game vs. Chelsea next w/end, or the Man U game after that.
We have Mo’ and Federico as our two best players on the right.
If either one gets an injury, we’re in trouble.
Why risk both on what could be a game that gets a bit tasty ?
Arne’s has not snubbed him, despite what some in the media may say.
He’s wrapping him in cotton wool for a bigger role in a bigger game.
This is simply sensible management.
He shouldn’t have to explain it. It’s obvious.
Hugo’s not serving a ban for UCL games, is he ? He’ll play up front with Alex and somebody on the left.
So he leaves out the best player from our last couple of games? Wtf has Chiesa done to Slot
Why is treated at low level.He has four goal contribution
Slot is harming the team. Chiesa should go back to Italy. He is being unfairly treated here. Sell Salah….wasting good money on him.
When ? Right now ?
Have faith in Arne, kid. He knows the facts.
Especially as a few of the others are definitely leaving a lot to be desired with their performances and I’d include Salah in that. Chiesa is definitely worth his seat on the trip, he has a brain, something that currently seems lacking in a number of players.
One can probably assume Hugo’s learned his lesson.
If he misbehaves this time, THEN he’ll be worthy of a proper rollicking.
It appears Arne’s released the story on why Federico’s out of the Istanbul game.
He’s put it a little more politic than me though.
It is his job, after all😉😉.
All good.