Galatasaray has four players missing for Champions League clash against Liverpool
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesChampions LeagueGalatasaray has nearly a full team for their Champions League matchup against Liverpool on Tuesday as the Reds deal with a handfull of key absenses across the pitchMohamed Salah and Liverpool lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in September(Image: Getty Images)Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk can pick from a full team against Liverpool in the first leg of his side's Champions League Round-of-16 matchup.The Turkish Giants, who beat the Reds 1-0 in Istanbul during the league phase, are missing one player through suspension and three through injury, though none have seen regular playing time and likely wouldn't have factored anyway against Liverpool in the Champions League.Reserve center-back Metehan Baltaci has been missing since November after the Turkish Football Federation suspended him for his alleged involvement in a betting scandal. The 24-year-old has only appeared 10 times for Galatasaray.The others — goalkeeper Enes Buyuk, goalkeeper Batuahan Sen, and defender Arda Unyay — have just had a few total appearances with the senior team this season.READ MORE: Galatasaray boss demands Champions League change rule on eve of Liverpool clashREAD MORE: Every word Arne Slot said on Alisson injury, 100th game, and Galatasaray threatGalatasaray entered the year with limited depth between the posts, giving the 19-year-old Buyuk an outside shot at playing time.
Then, the reigning Turkish champions signed Ugurcan Cakır from Trabzonspor for €27.5 million ($32 million).Either way, Buyuk is out for an extended period of time after he underwent surgery for a Banekart lesion on his shoulder.Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has nearly a fully slate of options against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool has a few key players out. Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are both out for the year with long-term injuries, Alexander Isak is making his way back from ankle surgery, and coach Arne Slot announced two new injuries during he pre-match press conference.Alisson didn't travel with the team, having felt some discomfort during a Monday morning training session.
The veteran Brazilian has already missed nine matches this season and was pulled midway through the last match against Galatasaray with an injury.Alisson will miss Tuesday's Champions League fixture(Image: Getty Images)"Ali, of course, was in the training 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.”READ MORE: Galatasary manager slams 'unfair' Champions League punishment before Liverpool gameREAD MORE: FA Cup draw in full as Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea learn quarterfinal fateBackup Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to make his 11th start of the season and his first since he played against Barnsley in the FA Cup back in January.Federico Chiesa, who was an unused substitute against Wolves on Friday, also didn't travel with the team.