Liverpool chase UCL comeback against Osimhen’s Galatasaray at Anfield – team news

Liverpool host Galatasaray in a decisive UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second leg, aiming to overturn a first-leg deficit and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

The English side trail 1-0 after defeat in Istanbul, where Mario Lemina’s strike proved decisive. Liverpool must now deliver at Anfield to keep their European campaign alive.

Liverpool target turnaround at Anfield

Liverpool are seeking their first quarter-final appearance since reaching the 2022 final, where they lost to Real Madrid. Their last two campaigns have ended at the round-of-16 stage, including last season’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

Historically, Galatasaray have struggled away against English opposition, with only one competitive win. Their previous visits to Anfield include a goalless draw in 2002 and a 3-2 defeat in 2006.

The winner of this tie will face either PSG or Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

Team news and availability

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received a boost with the return of Alisson Becker, who featured at the weekend after missing the first leg through injury.

Federico Chiesa is also back in contention after making a substitute appearance, while Alexander Isak remains sidelined for several weeks.

However, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley are ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, are expected to be without defender Arda Unyay, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in January.

But they are boosted by the availability of Victor Osimhen, who has continued to be a threat in front of goal for opponents.

Liverpool will rely on home advantage as they attempt to overturn the deficit and extend their European run.