Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that star goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be out of action for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray, in which Victor Osimhen’s goal from the penalty spot was the difference as reported by Softfootball.
The Brazilian shot-stopper, who limped off in the second half, will now miss Saturday’s big Premier League clash against Chelsea and has also been ruled out of international duty with Brazil.
Speaking to the press on Friday morning, Slot admitted the situation is far from ideal.
Alisson is not a part of the squad tomorrow. He’s not going to Brazil either for the national team. I’d honestly be surprised if he is ready for the first game after the international break.
The injury could leave Alisson sidelined until mid or even late October, potentially missing around eight matches. That includes some crucial league games and more European ties. Losing their first-choice keeper for such a run is definitely a headache Liverpool did not need this early in the season.
There was, however, a little ray of hope for the Reds. Hugo Ekitike is back to training, and Federico Chiesa, who was ruled out of the Galatasaray clash after he picked up minor problems as reported by Softfootball, is back in training. Ekitike had to come off against Galatasaray, while Chiesa didn’t even travel to Turkey. Slot, though, is cautiously positive:
Hugo is going to train again today, and we will see where he is. The same goes for Federico.
Liverpool posted Arne Slot giving the round-up press conference ahead of their visit to Chelsea in the Premier League on their official X handle.
With Alisson out, summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili will take over in goal. Slot praised the Georgian keeper, saying,
We knew we were bringing in a very good goalkeeper.
Liverpool fans might still feel anxious as Alisson has often proven to be the difference in tight games, but Slot insists the squad has the quality to cope. The coming weeks will show if that belief holds true or if the Reds start to feel the absence of their world-class No. 1.
