“Liverpool star Alisson is likely to miss the big matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen after being sidelined with a hamstring injury for over a month.”
Liverpool star Alisson could miss big games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen after being sidelined with a hamstring injury for more than a month.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was forced off early in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park with a suspected hamstring injury, and Liverpool boss Arne Slot is not optimistic he will be back anytime soon.
Speaking to Match of the Day, the Dutchman said: “With Alisson, it’s clear that he’s going to be out for a few weeks. If a player goes off like that, it usually means he’s not in the Brazil squad and I don’t expect him to be in the first game after that. I think it’ll be a few weeks.”
And the Liverpool boss’s worst fears have come true. Liverpool’s number one goalkeeper will be out until at least the November international break, which is around six weeks. Alisson will miss a total of seven games, including the with Chelsea in two weeks’ time. Liverpool then face RB Leipzig in their third Champions League group game.
Things don’t get any easier for Liverpool after that as they face title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on October 27. A Carabao Cup tie with Brighton is next on the agenda before a Premier League rematch with Brighton themselves .
Another tough Champions League test awaits them then against German champions Bayer Leverkusen on November 5. Liverpool’s difficult run could end with a home game against Aston Villa .
Despite being without Alisson, Slot insists Liverpool will get through this difficult time. “Alisson is obviously our No.1, the best goalkeeper in the world, so it’s a that he’s injured and we’re without him for the foreseeable future.
“We have a really good second option. Caoimhin Kelleher has proven that, that’s why Caoimhin is the second goalkeeper and the last time, Alisson was injured, I played Caoimhin. He did really well, it’s nice to see our third goalkeeper can have an impact because Caoimhin was sick yesterday and today”
Kelleher has made two appearances for Liverpool this season – against Bournemouth in the Premier League and in the 5-1 League Cup win over West Ham. The Irishman made 26 appearances for Liverpool last season, keeping five clean sheets.
In addition to Alisson, Liverpool could also be without Alexis Mac Allister when the Premier League resumes, with Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa still struggling to overcome fitness issues.