‘Big blow’ – Liverpool dealt two major injury concerns ahead of Chelsea showdown…

‘Significant setback’ – Liverpool faces two serious injury issues ahead of Chelsea clash

Liverpool is contending with two new injury worries as they prepare for their Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday.

The Reds experienced a disappointing night in their Champions League encounter with Galatasaray, suffering from a controversial first-half penalty and subsequently losing two players to injuries after halftime.

Liverpool suffers double injury setback

Following a one-on-one save against Victor Osimhen, Alisson Becker remained on the ground and needed medical attention before being substituted, prompting Giorgi Mamardashvili to come off the bench for the last half-hour.

As the Brazilian goalkeeper exited the field prematurely at RAMS Park, James Pearce noted on X that this was a ‘significant setback’ for Liverpool, as their number one – who had previously saved them from a heavy defeat against Crystal Palace over the weekend – was now sidelined due to injury.

In the second half, Hugo Ekitike fell after stretching to regain possession, forcing him to be replaced by Alexis Mac Allister, marking the fifth and final substitution available to Arne Slot.

In reaction to the Frenchman’s injury, Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz commented: “This is a double setback for Liverpool. Losing Alisson to injury and THEN Ekitike? We witnessed over the weekend how unprepared Isak is and how much Ekitike’s absence is felt.”

A costly evening for Liverpool regarding injuries

Until tonight, the Reds had been relatively fortunate with injuries, but with the Galatasaray match being their sixth game in 17 days, it’s perhaps not surprising that they have emerged from this demanding stretch with some injuries.

The potential absence of Alisson for upcoming matches is a significant blow for Liverpool, especially given his outstanding performances in the early weeks of the season, and Mamardashvili will need to step up in the upcoming fixtures.

Ekitike was unable to play in the match against Palace due to suspension, but after being reinstated to the starting lineup tonight, his impressive season start (five goals in his first eight matches) has now been interrupted by an injury he picked up in Istanbul.

At this point, we are not fully aware of the severity of these two injuries, and the timing of the international break could mean that both players might only miss the upcoming Chelsea game next Saturday.

Slot is expected to provide more details regarding Alisson and Ekitike following tonight’s match, and we hope that neither player will face a lengthy absence, especially as Liverpool’s performance has begun to decline undesirably.