Alisson Becker has compared his return to action for Liverpool to going through another pre-season after ending his long wait.
The Brazilian was back in the Reds’ starting line-up for the first time since limping off against Crystal Palace in October as he helped them to a 1-0 win over Girona in the Champions League. The victory leaves Liverpool on the verge of a spot in the last-16, having won all six of their encounters in Europe so far.
It wasn’t a quiet night for Alisson, who was called into action on a number of occasions to maintain his side’s clean sheet. Despite Arne Slot being far from happy with his side’s performance, his No.1 certainly vindicated the decision to restore him to the line-up.
Having missed the previous 11 games with a hamstring problem, Alisson will now hope for a clean bill of health as Liverpool eyes up domestic and European glory this season, sitting top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings heading into the end of 2024.
“It’s great to be back, an amazing feeling,” Alisson told TNT Sports after the win over Girona. “It was a long wait for me this time.
“It was an injury after a small injury and then a big one, nine weeks I think I was away.”
Alisson celebrates after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Girona
Alisson celebrates after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Girona (Image: Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Alisson has had to bide his time before making his return, with Liverpool taking no chances after a frustrating year with injuries for the 32-year-old. Caoimhin Kelleher’s form certainly helped in ensuring he wasn’t rushed back, with Alisson admitting he practically returned to square one in his recovery.
“[I was] working really hard every day in the gym, when you are injured you work even more than when you are fit,” Alisson added.
“When playing, you just play and try to recover as much as you can, but when you are injured you have no excuses.
“You have to prepare, you have to stop for a while and then prepare and work hard. It’s like doing a pre-season again in the middle of the season, but I’m so glad to be back.
“I’m really thankful for the physios, mainly Lee Nobes (head of rehab physiotherapy), the doctors, my personal physio and fitness coach, all those guys who worked together with me this time.”