Two Liverpool stars miss training before Galatasaray Champions League clash

Liverpool take on Turkish side Galatasaray on Tuesday evening in the last-16 of the Champions League and Arne Slot looks set to be without a couple of players for the game

Liverpool could be without Federico Chiesa for their trip to Galatasaray after he missed training ahead of the game. The Reds have been drawn to face the Turkish side in the last-16 of the Champions League, with the first-leg taking place in Istanbul on Tuesday evening.

Arne Slot put his squad through its paces on Monday at the club’s training ground ahead of the game. Italian winger Chiesa missed the session and is now a doubt for the trip to Turkey.

Chiesa has been forced to deal with a host of issues since his arrival from Juventus, having been limited to just 43 appearances for the Reds, just nine of which have been starts. The winger was a late substitute in midweek against Wolves but was then left on the bench in the FA Cup rematch between the two sides.

Liverpool boss Slot is expected to give an update on the squad on Monday evening when he hosts his pre-match press conference. Away from Chiesa, the Dutchman also has a question over midfielder Trey Nyoni.

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The youngster also missed the open training session. However, the reason for his absence could simply be due to recovery, given he had played the first-half of the under-21’s 5-0 win vs Wolves on Sunday.

While Slot is yet to speak, Galatasary boss Okan Buruk has already had plenty to say about the upcoming game. He recently accused his players of focusing more on that clash instead of on their Super Lig showdown with Besiktas.

“They were all talking about the Liverpool match before the derby game against Besiktas, which was a very important match in its own right,” Buruk said.

“Besiktas had claimed some good results against us so it was too early to think about Liverpool, we had to think about the league match first.

“The Liverpool match was one to think about after we’d got through the derby because we knew a victory in that game would mean we’re much better prepared for Tuesday.”

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has also given his take on the upcoming clash. He said: “Liverpool are a very big team. We’ll be playing at home.

“If we are careful, we can do well, even if it’s not easy. All matches in the Champions League are tough. We will fight to do well.”

Following the first-leg against Galatasaray, Liverpool will then turn their attention towards Sunday’s clash with struggling Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

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