Liverpool must contend with fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday’s encounter with Chelsea, as Alisson Becker has been ruled out and Hugo Ekitike remains uncertain following problems sustained against Galatasaray.
Liverpool’s preparations for their weekend Premier League clash with Chelsea have been disrupted by a double injury setback.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off during the second half of the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul after making a vital one-on-one save against Victor Osimhen.
The Brazilian immediately indicated discomfort and was replaced, with manager Arne Slot confirming his absence for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
“When he sprinted back he felt something… normally, he will not be able to play Saturday. That’s 99.9 per cent – I’ve already said 100 per cent, but let’s make it 99.9 [although] I think it’s 100,” Slot told reporters.
The Reds also suffered another blow when forward Hugo Ekitike was substituted on 68 minutes. The Frenchman went down after attempting to stretch for a forward ball and could not continue.
“He felt something when he had to reach for the ball,” Slot explained, noting that the extent of the issue will only be clarified after further medical checks.
The head coach admitted that Ekitike initially felt the injury was not too serious, but the situation could change when sprinting or shooting is required.