October 09, (THEWILL) – Liverpool face a significant setback as their first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, is expected to be out of action for approximately six weeks due to a hamstring injury. The Brazilian shot-stopper sustained the injury during Liverpool’s recent 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, forcing him to leave the pitch late in the second half.
According to reports, medical assessments have indicated that Alisson is unlikely to return to fitness until after the upcoming international break. This prolonged absence means he will miss crucial English Premier League fixtures against Chelsea on October 20 and Arsenal a week after, as well as important UEFA Champions League matches against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.
In Alisson’s absence, Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, is anticipated to step in. Kelleher, who was unavailable for the Crystal Palace match due to illness, has previous experience deputising for Alisson, having filled in last season during another hamstring-related absence of the Brazilian keeper.
Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged the impact of Alisson’s injury following the Crystal Palace match. “We have to wait and see, but it will be a few weeks for him to be back. I think it is his hamstring. He is clearly our number one, he is the best goalkeeper in the world. It is always a blow when he gets injured, not only for him but us as a team.”
Despite this setback, Liverpool currently leads the League table with 18 points from seven matches, edging ahead of defending champions Manchester City and Arsenal by a single point. The team’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the league without their first-choice goalkeeper.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
