At the heart of Liverpool’s squad, goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury has sent shockwaves through fans and the squad. Following his injury in the match against Crystal Palace, Alisson is expected to be sidelined for an estimated six weeks, missing crucial clashes against Chelsea and Arsenal.
The 32-year-old Brazil international pulled out late in the second half of the match against Crystal Palace following the unfortunate incident. Medical tests have confirmed that he is unlikely to return to action until next month’s international break. He is therefore a doubt for the clashes against Southampton, Chelsea, and Arsenal, as well as the upcoming Champions League games against RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.
Caoimhin Kelleher, who was forced to withdraw from the match against Crystal Palace due to illness, is expected to take his place temporarily, as he did last season when Alisson was previously injured. He has also been designated by manager Arne Slot as a substitute goalkeeper. However, Alisson’s absence has not gone unnoticed, as the manager has stressed his importance to the team: “He is clearly our number one, the best goalkeeper in the world. It’s always a blow when he is injured, not only for him but for us as a team.”
Currently leading the Premier League table with 18 points from seven games, Liverpool will have to face key games without their star goalkeeper. This injury comes at a crucial time of the season, where every point counts in the fight for the title against tough competitors such as Manchester City and Arsenal.
Alisson Becker’s injury highlights the importance of key players in a football team and shows how much the health of players can impact collective performances. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for Alisson and that the Liverpool team manages his absence well, in order to maintain their course towards ambitious objectives this season.