Alisson Becker made a successful return from more than two months out with a hamstring injury by helping Liverpool beat Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday evening
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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker makes a flying save to deny Girona forward Yaser Asprilla during the UEFA Champions League match at the Estadi Montilivi on December 10 2024
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker makes a flying save to deny Girona forward Yaser Asprilla during the UEFA Champions League match at the Estadi Montilivi on December 10 2024
Alisson Becker paid tribute to Liverpool backroom staff member Lee Nobes as a key influence on his long-awaited return to the first team. Reds goalkeeper Alisson delivered an excellent display in the 1-0 Champions League win in Girona on Tuesday night on his first appearance after more than two months out with a serious hamstring injury.
The Brazil international has suffered from a number of such complaints over the last 13 months with Liverpool mindful not to rush back the player into action.
And Alisson admits he is grateful for the expertise of the club's head of rehab physiotherapy Nobes for ensuring he could make a successful comeback.
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"Honestly, I was looking forward to this moment, nine weeks (out) working so hard you cannot believe," said the 32-year-old. "It was worth every moment, every session, every (bit of) training to go back on the pitch and deliver a good performance, to help the team with the points, a clean sheet. And having this feeling is so good.
"When you are away for so long, you are just grateful for everything you have done and for the people as well who have worked by my side, the physio department – mainly Lee Nobes, the doctor.
"All the boys were fantastic. My personal staff as well. My family, all the people who work with me. I’m so glad to have them on my side."
Alisson is now expected to make his first Anfield appearance since the Champions League win over Bologna on October 2 when the Reds entertain Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
And speaking to liverpoolfc.com, he added: "I’m looking forward again! Anfield is always special and against a tough opponent, Fulham, they are playing really well this season. We know that will be difficult. I’m excited to be there on Saturday to play this game.
"A big challenge, and the season is just at the beginning. We have a difficult moment coming now, real intensity for us in the Premier League so we are going to stay focused on the next challenge that we have, to deliver the best and try to get the three points.
"Now having players coming back from injuries is good as well; myself, other players, Diogo, Chiesa. Macca was out (on Tuesday), but everybody is ready to make the difference."