Alisson Becker has become the latest injury concern for Liverpool, with the Brazilian goalkeeper now expected to miss action until after the international break.
The 32-year-old was forced off during Tuesday night’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray after pulling up following a save against Victor Osimhen.
While fears immediately grew that Liverpool could lose their No.1 for an extended period, fresh updates have offered more clarity on his situation.
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Alisson ruled out until after international break
Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson felt something when sprinting back after the save, leading to his substitution in the second half.
Speaking after the match, the Liverpool manager admitted (via Liverpool FC):
“When he sprinted back he felt something. I cannot tell you [exactly] because I am not a physio, but normally when a player when he sprints back, feels something, goes to the floor and doesn’t come back onto the pitch [it’s not good].
“If my player is on the floor, I nine out of 10 times fear the worst – and by the worst I mean he cannot continue.”
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett later reported that Alisson will not feature again until after the October international break.
This rules him out of Saturday’s clash with Chelsea and international duty with Brazil.
Liverpool now hope he can return in time for their blockbuster Premier League meeting with Manchester United on October 19.
If that fixture comes too soon, he is expected back for the home tie against Brentford on October 25.
With Alisson sidelined, Giorgi Mamardashvili looks set to take on the starting role between the sticks.
The Georgian international, signed in the summer, now faces the task of maintaining Liverpool’s defensive solidity during a crucial run of fixtures.
While Alisson’s absence is a blow, the update suggests the issue is not long-term.
Liverpool fans can take encouragement from the fact that the problem does not appear to threaten weeks or months on the sidelines.
The next few games will provide Mamardashvili with the opportunity to prove himself as a reliable deputy, while supporters will watch closely to see if their No.1 can return in time for the Manchester United showdown.
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