Alisson out of Chelsea clash as Slot disappointed

MAMARDASHVILI SET FOR EPL DEBUT AS REDS BOSS REMAINS HOPEFUL EKITIKE 'NOT TOO BAD'

- By PAUL GORST and IAN DOYLE

ARNE SLOT confirmed Alisson Becker will be absent for Saturday's trip to Chelsea with Giorgi Mamardashvili set for his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge.

And Slot says he is awaiting a further assessment on Hugo Ekitike, who was also forced off in the second period of the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Brazil international Alisson suffered an injury in the second half of the game on Tuesday making a save from match-winner Victor Osimhen and was replaced by Mamardashvili, a £29million summer signing from Valencia.

Osimhen's penalty was enough to settle the game Gala’s way in the Champions League and Ekitike’s issue at RAMS Park leaves the Reds boss sweating on the fitness of Federico Chiesa, who missed the trip to Turkey with a minor concern picked up at Crystal Palace on Saturday.