Liverpool traveled to Istanbul for the latest Champions League encounter in the league phase, with a delayed start to preparations to face off with Fenerbahce

Liverpool would have been hoping for a smooth build-up towards a tough clash away at Fenerbahce in the Champions League, but things haven't exactly gone as planned for Andoni Iraola's traveling squad, who have been impacted by a travel delay that has pushed back the rest of the team's plans for the day.

The Reds, fresh from a defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, have had to put the recent loss behind them for another quick turnaround in the Champions League.

Preparations hadn't begun exactly as the manager would have hoped, after it was revealed that Ryan Gravenberch wouldn't be available due to a heel injury he had picked up prior to the European trip.

While the manager would have been contemplating his options in the middle of the field, he and the rest of his team boarded a flight to Istanbul, knowing that a trip to Turkiye is never easy in the competition.

Arne Slot suffered defeat twice to Galatasaray last season across three different meetings with the side, both of which came away from home, showing the challenge ahead for his successor if he is to continue the 100 per cent win record from the Champions League so far this season.

Putting aside the late injury call on Gravenberch, there were some hopes that Liverpool would have smooth preparations for the clash ahead, but things have been slightly disrupted since.

Traffic issues meant that Iraola's press conference, which was scheduled for 3:15 pm GMT, had to be delayed, while he was scheduled to appear alongside Cody Gakpo to take questions from the international media.

That, in turn, has pushed back the open training that was set to take place at 4:30 pm GMT, which could have an impact on just how much can be covered in the session in preparation for a tough challenge against Fenerbahce.

Liverpool has so far managed to overcome the likes of Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, and LASK in the opening three fixtures of the European campaign so far, with the Turkish opposition on Wednesday marking the halfway point of the league phase.

Fenerbahce offers a different type of challenge, with the team having been thrown into chaos after a poor start to the season, with former Reds star Dirk Kuyt given the interim role ahead of a reunion against his old side.

"We have really good players, but we need to show up, and when we show up tomorrow with good energy and passion, I think it will be a special night," Kuyt said in his pre-match press conference.

"Liverpool is an amazing team, but so is Fenerbahce. If we and the fans can show up tomorrow, then Europe will really see how big Fenerbahce is."

Liverpool will certainly be hoping that the delay in preparations won't impact a special night, with a first meeting between the two teams and a reunion with a former fan favorite that sets up quite an entertaining match in prospect.