In a recent turn of events, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot is bracing for the possibility that star goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be sidelined during the crucial match against Chelsea.
This concern stems from Alisson’s latest hamstring injury, which he sustained while limping off the pitch during his team’s recent victory against Crystal Palace.
As the international break approaches, it appears Alisson will remain in Merseyside, recovering instead of joining the Brazilian national team.
This means he is unlikely to be available for Liverpool’s first Premier League fixture back, where they face Chelsea on October 20, before gearing up for a Champions League showdown with Red Bull Leipzig.
Upcoming Challenges for the Reds
Looking further ahead, Liverpool also has a high-stakes encounter against title rivals Arsenal scheduled for October 27.
Slot, while addressing Alisson’s injury, also mentioned that midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had to be substituted at halftime due to a groin issue, adding to the team’s injury woes.
“Right now, we don’t know how serious it is,” Slot stated.
“But seeing him walk off like that indicates he won’t be joining the Brazil squad, and I can’t see him being available for the Chelsea match either.”
He emphasized the impact of losing Alisson, calling him “the best keeper in the world” and acknowledging the setback it represents for the team.
Van Dijk Weighs In
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk echoed Slot’s concerns regarding Alisson’s condition.
“Alisson’s injury doesn’t look good,” he said. “It seems to be a hamstring issue that he’s been dealing with, and it has flared up again.”
In Alisson’s absence, Vitezslav Jaros stepped in as the third-choice goalkeeper, replacing him in the 79th minute against Palace.
With regular backup Caoimhin Kelleher out due to illness, Jaros, who had spent the previous season on loan at Sturm Graz in Austria, made an immediate impact with a crucial save against Eberechi Eze.
Jaros Steps Up
Slot praised Jaros’s performance, highlighting the importance of having a strong goalkeeping lineup, especially considering Jaros’s desire to seek more playing time in the summer.
“He had a fantastic season last year, winning the league and the cup in Austria,” Slot explained.
“We told him we needed a reliable third goalkeeper, and today showed we made the right call. For him, it must have been a great moment to make his Liverpool debut.”
With the international break on the horizon, Slot is hopeful that the medical team can work wonders for Alisson, allowing him to return sooner rather than later.
The Reds’ recent 1-0 victory over Palace leaves them at the top of the Premier League, having won six out of their seven league matches.
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