Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson Becker is not ready to return to action just yet — but says he is going to be back in the team "very soon".
As a result, Caoimhin Kelleher will be in goal for the weekend's Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park. He will be looking to bounce back from the mistake that allowed Fabian Schar to equalize midweek at Newcastle United.
"He is disappointed as we dropped points from a winning situation like all the others, but he will have confidence," Slot said during his press conference. "Alisson is not ready yet, but [he will be] very soon."
Federico Chiesa played 60 minutes for the Reds' U21s midweek with Slot describing both him and Diogo Jota as being "close" to being back. Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley are the only ones who are "further" from a return.
Alexis Mac Allister, meanwhile, will have to sit out the Everton game because he is suspended. "That's a good thing [having players to replace Mac Allister] but Ryan Gravenberch is one card away from suspension," Slot said.
"How is this possible because we hardly make any fouls? If you look at the decisions you can argue that it was not correct for Alexis's yellow. Players will get suspended but we have three of the main four midfielders, and Harvey Elliott is on his way back, so that line is not our main worry."
Slot was also asked for the latest on Virgil van Dijk's contract situation after claims this week that the Dutchman had rejected an offer of a new deal. "What do you think the answer is going to be?" Slot replied. "Tell your boss you always get the same answer."