Liverpool are taking on Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday amid a number of injury problems.
The Reds have built up an extraordinary lead at the top of the league table after just 13 matches, but will be put to the test once again with a difficult away fixture.
It does not help Arne Slot that his Liverpool squad is starting to look a little depleted.
The Reds have managed through their injuries very well this season, but it does not mean that they haven’t had them.
While the likes of Arsenal and Man City have seen their own issues constantly spotlighted, not enough has been said of how Liverpool have coped with important players being out.
One of those who is perhaps the most key of all has been goalkeeper Alisson Becker. And as Liverpool continue to wait for Alisson, it seems that his recovery is taking a touch longer than expected.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Liverpool FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Anf...
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Alisson recovery taking longer than hoped
Had Liverpool been struggling in Alisson’s absence, then it seems possible that the Brazilian would have returned by now.
Caoimhin Kelleher has been thriving since being thrown into the team, though, meaning the Reds can give Alisson the proper time he needs to get back.
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Nevertheless, speaking on his YouTube channel on Tuesday, journalist David Lynch suggested that Alisson’s actual recovery is taking longer than hoped.
“I think Liverpool really want to take their time with him and make sure they don’t rush him back so there isn’t a reoccurrence of that muscle injury,” says Lynch.
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“He is doing bits in training, he is working with the goalkeeping coaches. We’re not quite sure he’s in full training yet but Slot said he’s getting much closer now.
“The wording he said was that by the end of December you can expect that Alisson will be back. I guess we will probably see him slightly before that, I don’t think that means he is back at the end of December. But it’s maybe a little bit slower than we did expect in terms of his recovery.
“So, he’s closer than he has been but not quite there to be in the squad to face Newcastle,” adds Lynch. “And maybe not Everton judging by what Slot had to say.”
No rush for Alisson return
While it would be nice to see Alisson back in action for Liverpool, the truth of the matter is that Kelleher has replaced him more than ably so far.
You only have to look at the goals conceded column in the Premier League table to see that the Reds are doing fine for the moment.
2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Total
Games Missed Through Injury 0 18 10 0 0 19 12* 59
Alisson injury record at Liverpool
Obviously, Alisson will return when he is ready and Liverpool will still be better for that. But that should not happen at the detriment of the 32-year-old’s fitness.
The aim should be giving Alisson the time needed to make sure this injury does not happen again.
The Brazil international will no doubt be champing at the bit to return. But until he is 100 per cent ready to do so, Kelleher is doing just fine.
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