Liverpool is facing a significant injury issue ahead of their match against Bournemouth on Saturday, as confirmed by manager Arne Slot.
The team bounced back from an unexpected defeat to Nottingham Forest with a 3-1 Champions League victory over AC Milan on Tuesday. Their next challenge is at Anfield, where they aim to return to winning form in the league.
However, it appears there may be a change in goal, as Alisson Becker is dealing with a muscle problem. Slot disclosed this setback during his press conference, expressing concern that the match might come too soon for the Brazilian.
“Alisson is still uncertain about training today, so we’ll see if he’s able,” Slot stated to reporters. “If he can’t train, he likely won’t play either. He has a minor muscle issue, and we’re questioning whether this match is too early for him. I think this didn’t occur during the Milan game; it happened a bit earlier, but he felt it more afterward. Now we need to wait and see if he’ll be ready to start tomorrow or if we’ll need to wait a few more days.”
Alisson has been on the field for every minute this season, but Republic of Ireland’s Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to step in, potentially making his first competitive appearance under Slot. Kelleher had his most productive season last year, making 26 starts across all competitions.
Alisson missed significant time due to a hamstring injury during Jurgen Klopp’s last season, but Kelleher proved to be a dependable replacement, even keeping a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup final.
Despite his frustrations, the club signed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in the summer, where he will spend the current season on loan.
Reflecting on his situation, Kelleher said, “I’ve been clear over the past few years about wanting to be a number one and play regularly. The club has decided to bring in another goalkeeper, and from an outside perspective, it seems they are pursuing a different direction.”
