Liverpool injury update: Alisson Becker Alexis, Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa latest news and return dates ahead of Galatasaray match in Istanbul…

Liverpool injury update: Latest news and return dates for Alexis Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, and Wataru Endo

 

Liverpool will be missing their key goalkeeper Alisson Becker for the first leg of the Champions League last-16 against Galatasaray in Istanbul, as the Brazil international suffered an injury during training.

 

This setback means that the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper did not travel with the team, adding to the challenges of a season already plagued by fitness problems.

 

The Reds faced a new injury concern during Friday’s FA Cup victory at Molineux.

 

Arne Slot is anxious about Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness as Liverpool prepares to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 

The Argentine midfielder was substituted late in the second half following a heavy tackle during Liverpool’s FA Cup match against Wolves on Friday evening, marking their second visit to Molineux within four days.

 

It was a situation of one player in, one player out for Liverpool that day. While Mac Allister left the field due to injury, Florian Wirtz came off the bench, making his return from a back injury.

 

The return of the German player is a significant advantage for Slot, who hopes to have as many options available as possible for the Reds’ trip to Istanbul this week.

 

With that in mind, here is the latest injury news for Liverpool and potential return dates…

 

Alisson Becker

 

Liverpool will be without key goalkeeper Alisson Becker for their Champions League last-16 first leg against Galatasaray in Istanbul, after the Brazil international sustained an injury during training.

 

This setback means that the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper did not travel with the squad, marking another blow in a season already hampered by fitness issues.

 

Alisson reportedly felt minor discomfort following Monday morning’s session at the AXA Training Centre, leading to a decision to avoid any further risk. He has already missed nine matches this season due to injury.

 

His absence opens the door for Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is poised to make his first appearance in two months following an FA Cup win against Barnsley, marking only his eleventh game since joining the club last summer.

 

Mamardashvili has participated in four of Liverpool’s eight Champions League matches this season, stepping in for an injured Alisson during the 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the league phase back in September.

 

Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister took the field at Molineux as Liverpool eliminated Wolves from the FA Cup, but he was substituted late in the second half after enduring a heavy tackle from Hwang Hee-chan.

 

He seemed to twist his knee during the incident and received on-field treatment before being replaced by Trey Nyoni, a substitution that had been planned prior to the tackle.

 

After the match, Slot downplayed concerns regarding a serious injury.

 

While Slot did not provide extensive details, when asked about the player’s condition, he responded: “I think so, yes.”

 

He may provide a more detailed update when he discusses the upcoming Galatasaray match from Istanbul on Monday evening, but for now, it appears Mac Allister will be available for that game.

 

Expected return date: March 10 vs Galatasaray (A)

 

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak’s inaugural season with Liverpool has certainly been one to forget.

 

The record summer signing, who went on strike to leave Newcastle, has been out of action since sustaining a serious ankle injury in December.

 

After netting a goal in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, he suffered a fibula fracture following a tackle by Micky van de Ven, resulting in him missing 17 matches.

 

However, he may be nearing a return to the pitch, as Sweden manager Graham Potter indicated he could be back for this month’s international break.

 

Slot, however, has moderated expectations, suggesting that an April return seems more plausible.

 

“It will be around [the March international break], but it always depends on whether everything goes smoothly or if he encounters a setback,” the Dutchman elaborated.

 

“Thus, it is expected to be around the end of March or the beginning of April when he is hopefully back with the team.

 

“Just because you return to the team does not mean you are ready to play, much less start a football match, as he has been sidelined for several months. The last time he was out for an extended period, it was evident that it took him some time to regain the form we expected from him when we signed him from Newcastle.”

 

Reports from the Swedish media have also downplayed the likelihood of Isak representing his country this month.

 

Expected return date: Late March/early April

 

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo received a rare starting opportunity as Liverpool triumphed over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on February 11, but his evening was cut short.

 

He was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half due to a foot injury, and Slot has provided a concerning update.

 

He stated at full-time: “Wata will be out for an extended period. We are uncertain about the exact duration, but it will be significant.”

 

Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed hope that Endo would recover in time for the World Cup, also disclosing that he has undergone surgery.

 

He mentioned: “I’ve been informed that he had surgery, and it was successful, but I lack details on the specifics of the procedure.

 

“The objective is for him to be prepared for the World Cup, so the rehabilitation process following surgery is being planned accordingly.

 

“To participate in the World Cup, he, the club, and we all share the same understanding.”

 

Expected return date: June

 

Conor Bradley

Liverpool’s defensive challenges are significantly attributed to Conor Bradley’s prolonged injury absence.

 

The Northern Irish player sustained a severe knee injury during Liverpool’s goalless draw against Arsenal in January, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

 

However, in a small consolation for Bradley, he managed to avoid a feared ACL tear.

 

A statement from Liverpool confirmed: “Liverpool FC can verify that Conor Bradley has suffered a serious knee injury.

 

“The right-back encountered this issue in the later stages of Thursday night’s Premier League match.”

 

Bradley is scheduled to have surgery in the upcoming days, followed by a rehabilitation period at the AXA Training Centre.

 

“At this point in the process, no specific timeline has been established for his return to playing.”

 

Expected return date: Summer 2026

 

Giovanni Leoni

Giovanni Leoni joined Liverpool amidst great anticipation, but the 19-year-old’s inaugural season on Merseyside ended almost immediately.

 

He suffered an ACL tear during his debut as Liverpool narrowly defeated Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September.

 

The Italian is hopeful to return to the field by the beginning of next season.

 

“He is understandably not in a good situation, as he has torn his ACL, which will keep him sidelined for approximately a year,” Slot remarked.

 

“Being so young, moving to a new country, and performing well in your first match… it’s quite difficult to focus on the positives.

 

“There are rarely any positives, but he is still very young, so he has many years ahead of him after he recovers from such a serious injury.”

 

Expected return date: September 2026