Arne Slot has provided a key update on the fitness of Alisson, with the Brazilian boosting supporters after a return to training earlier this week.
Liverpool’s No.1 goalkeeper has been unavailable since the 1-0 away to Crystal Palace at the beginning of October, having limped out of proceedings during the second half.
Alisson has been nursing a hamstring issue in the six weeks or so since then, with his injury-prone nature arguably becoming a slight concern, but he is edging towards a return to the team.
He was seen in training on Tuesday but wasn’t a full part of it with his teammates, and speaking to reporters on Friday morning [via This Is Anfield], Slot confirmed that there is no definite return date yet, ruling him out of Sunday’s trip to Southampton:
“We’re careful with everyone, especially when it comes to muscle injuries. He’s back in training with the goalkeeper coach, he’s not training with the team yet but that’s expected to be done soon. Then let’s wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness. He’s getting better and better, but not ready to play on Sunday.
“For me it’s difficult to judge now and to tell you now if it’s going to be one, two, three days or a bit longer. The only thing I can say is that with Alisson and with Jota, I don’t expect them to be available for that game.”
Our thoughts on Alisson’s injury latest…
It’s good to see that Liverpool are being careful with Alisson, not wanting to rush him back too soon and risk making the injury worse, especially as Caoimhin Kelleher is doing such an admirable job in his absence.
Getting the 32-year-old back on the pitch is clearly vital, considering he is a Reds legend who is arguably the best ‘keeper in the world, but Slot will surely think that his side will have too much for Southampton without him.
The Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on December 1st would be an ideal match for Alisson to come back for, even though he could be rusty, in a fixture where the result could look so important come the end of the season.
