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Arne Slot confirms major Liverpool blow as Alisson ruled out until late in the season

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Image for Arne Slot confirms major Liverpool blow as Alisson ruled out until late in the season

Liverpool have been dealt a significant setback after Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson Becker will be unavailable for an extended period, ruling him out of several crucial fixtures.

The Brazilian goalkeeper picked up a muscle injury following Liverpool’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Galatasaray, and the issue has continued to trouble him since late March.

With important matches approaching, Slot acknowledged that the club will have to cope without their first-choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.

It’s a bitter blow, but more worryingly, it’s a continuation of the Brazilian’s struggles to remain fit for Liverpool in recent years.

Alisson to miss key fixtures against Manchester City and PSG

Liverpool’s next two games have the power to shape the rest of the season, beginning with an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on Saturday. Shortly afterwards, the Reds travel to France for the first leg of their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Alisson will not be available for either encounter, nor the return leg scheduled later in April.

Speaking during his press conference, Slot said: “He will not be part of the PSG game either, (he is) out for a bit longer. Towards the end of the season, we expect him to be fit.”

Mohamed Salah will be available, however, with Slot adding: “Yes, he is [available], he trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for tomorrow.”

The news represents a major blow to Liverpool’s hopes of progressing in both cup competitions, particularly given Alisson’s importance in high-pressure matches. There isn’t a better goalkeeper in the world when it comes to 1v1 situations or producing a save that other ‘keepers would struggle to.

Earlier this season, the 33-year-old was sidelined for fifty days due to a hamstring injury, highlighting a continuing pattern of fitness issues that have disrupted his campaign.

Liverpool must again rely on Mamardashvili in Alisson’s absence

With Alisson unavailable, Liverpool are expected to turn once more to Giorgi Mamardashvili, who previously stepped in during the Brazilian’s earlier spell on the sidelines.

In recent seasons, Alisson has endured several injury setbacks, including multiple muscle and hamstring issues that have forced him to miss significant stretches of action.

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, the goalkeeper has missed matches due to:

  • Muscle issue (3 games)
  • Hamstring injury (15 games)
  • Thigh problem (2 games)
  • Hamstring re-injury (12 games)
  • Hamstring re-injury again (8 games)
  • Muscle issue (1 game)

Total missed games: 41

His latest setback adds to growing concerns over the frequency of his injuries, an unusual trend for a player in his position.

Alisson has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success since joining from AS Roma in 2018 for €72.5 million (£66.8m). During his time at Anfield, he has made 332 appearances and recorded 140 clean sheets.

Isak recovery also remains uncertain ahead of decisive fixtures

During the same press conference, Slot also addressed the situation surrounding Alexander Isak, who continues his recovery from a broken fibula.

While progress is being made, the Liverpool head coach stopped short of confirming whether the Swedish striker would be ready in time for the upcoming matches.

“No, it will definitely be too fast to expect him in the starting line-up,” Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference. “He’s trained with us yesterday [Thursday] for the first time and today [Friday] for the second time after exactly 101 days.”

With Alisson sidelined and other key players still working towards fitness, Liverpool now face a challenging period that could significantly influence the direction of their season.

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Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.