Alisson Becker’s availability for Liverpool’s upcoming match against Manchester United is uncertain, following a hamstring injury sustained during the Champions League clash against Galatasaray. Coach Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson will not join the Brazilian national team this month, heightening concerns surrounding his fitness.
The injury occurred on Tuesday, leading to Giorgi Mamardashvili’s first Premier League start this season, as Liverpool prepares for a crucial match away at Chelsea. With back-to-back defeats under their belt, the team aims to rectify their performance and regain momentum in their campaign.
Slot expressed his concerns following the team’s defeat on Tuesday, stating, “I feared the worst; Alisson is not part of the squad for tomorrow and he won’t be traveling to Brazil.”
Despite the uncertainty, Slot remains optimistic about the fitness levels of players Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, who are set to train ahead of the Chelsea match. “Hugo will train again today; let’s see how he progresses,” Slot added. He also remarked on Alisson’s recovery timeline, stressing, “It’s hard to gauge exactly how long it will take, but he won’t be available for Brazil or our immediate fixtures.”
Regarding Alisson’s injury history, Slot refrained from expressing overt concern but acknowledged that the 33-year-old goalkeeper missed significant time last season due to similar hamstring issues. “I’m not a doctor, so I can’t assess the situation completely, but what matters for us is his immediate availability,” he explained.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker monitored during an earlier match against Galatasaray. (PA Wire)
On a brighter note, Liverpool acquired Mamardashvili for £29 million in Slot’s first summer, with the Georgian being initially loaned back to Valencia. Promoted to Alisson’s backup after Caoimhin Kelleher’s departure to Brentford, Mamardashvili made an impressive debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup before stepping in for Alisson in Istanbul.
“He demonstrated adaptability in his first match. We were confident bringing him in, and his performance reinforced that belief,” Slot noted. “Caoimhin had stepped up in previous instances, and now we expect Mamardashvili to do the same.”
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges teams face due to player injuries and the importance of having depth in the squad. Liverpool’s upcoming match against Chelsea will be crucial, not just for the standings but to instill confidence following consecutive losses.
In conclusion, Alisson’s injury raises significant concerns for Liverpool, but the emergence of Mamardashvili offers both hope and a chance for the team to demonstrate resilience. As they prepare for a vital match against Manchester United, the outcome will depend heavily on strategic adjustments and the ability of the squad to rally in difficult circumstances.
