Liverpool fell to a second consecutive defeat on Tuesday evening, losing away to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League, with a Victor Osimhen penalty enough to hand all three points to the Turkish side.

The Reds dominated possession but failed to create enough clear-cut chances and consequently were unable to find the net. Their struggles were compounded by an injury to striker Hugo Ekitike, who was forced off with just over 20 minutes remaining.

This substitution came just ten minutes after goalkeeper Alisson Becker, starting in goal, was also forced off with a knee injury.

Arne Slot provided an update on both casualties to the official Liverpool website:

“When he sprinted back, he felt something. I cannot tell you [exactly] because I am not a physio, but normally when a player sprints back, feels something, goes to the floor, and doesn't return to the pitch, [it's not good].

"If my player is on the floor, nine out of ten times I fear the worst – and by the worst, I mean he cannot continue. That's what happened with Alisson.

"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."

There are positive signs that the Brazilian stopper will return for the weekend’s fixture, a 5:30pm kick-off away to Chelsea, although Giorgi Mamardashvili, who replaced Alisson, has proven himself more than capable.

Ekitike’s chances of featuring at Stamford Bridge are less certain. Slot explained: “After the game, it is always difficult with these moments when players feel like it is not too bad, but when you just walk around, it is different than when you sprint or have to shoot.

"He said he couldn't continue, so we had to take him off. Let's see how he is for the weekend."

With Giovanni Leoni already expected to miss the rest of his debut season at Anfield, and Stefan Bajcetic still sidelined after picking up a knock during his loan at Las Palmas last season, the last thing the Reds need is further absences as they aim to return to winning ways following disappointing defeats to both Galatasaray and Crystal Palace domestically.

Slot offered an insight into Bajcetic’s recovery, revealing online in a social media post that he was "counting the days" until his return, which will provide a new option in midfield. 

Under-21s boss Rob Page also suggested Bajcetic could feature for the second-string side shortly.

The club should be able to provide a more accurate update on both Alisson and Ekitike ahead of the weekend’s match in London, but the early signs are more positive than initially feared during the game in Türkiye.