Struggling Liverpool star suddenly set for first start in two months tonight

One Liverpool star is suddenly set for his first start in around two months tonight. A massive opportunity for the Red.

Alisson Becker has not travelled with Liverpool to Istanbul. The goalkeeper complained of an injury in training on Monday, forcing the Reds to leave him at home.

It's not Alisson's first injury of the campaign, of course. He missed a significant chunk of action back at the start and it's unknown how long he'll not be out for.

What this is, though, is an opportunity for Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian goalkeeper has been sitting on the sidelines for some time now, with very little football to speak of since Alisson returned.

Mamardashvili has just two starts since then, with one coming against PSV Eindhoven back in November - a 4-1 home defeat - and the other an FA Cup clash against Barnsley back in early January. In fact, the latter game is the only football he's played since the 26th of November.

But Mamardashvili is set to start for Liverpool against Galatasaray tonight. It's a gigantic opportunity.

Giorgi Mamardashvili: Situation Summary

Starting Role in Istanbul

Alisson complained of discomfort during Monday morning’s training session and has not traveled to Turkey for the Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Galatasaray on 10 March. Consequently, Mamardashvili is expected to deputize in Istanbul. This marks a significant opportunity for the 25-year-old, whose last appearance was exactly two months ago in a 4-1 FA Cup win over Barnsley on 12 January. Interestingly, his previous Champions League outing also came against Galatasaray in September, when he replaced an injured Alisson mid-match.

Season Stats and Future Outlook

In his debut season at Anfield, Mamardashvili has made 11 appearances, largely filling in during Alisson’s autumn injury layoff. He has recorded two clean sheets and notable wins against Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite recent speculation from Spanish outlets like El Desmarque suggesting he is "fed up" with his backup role, Mamardashvili recently dismissed these claims on the Reds Roundtable, stating he "does not mind" being patient and is focused on learning from Alisson.

Analysis

It's a massive opportunity for Mamardashvili as he steps into the team for an enormous knockout game. It's no overstatement to say this is the biggest moment of his career.

Shine and he's all set to compete with Alisson properly going forward. Disappoint and Liverpool will rethink his place as the Brazilian's successor.

And with Alisson entering the final year of his contract (assuming Liverpool will enact their extension clause), talk of that successor takes extra importance. Mamardashvili joined the club with the no.1 spot in mind but he's been waiting ever since.

Now is a golden chance to try and take that spot for himself.

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