Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili's injury status before the Reds take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday
13:23, 08 May 2026Updated 13:27, 08 May 2026
Giorgi Mamardashvili and Alisson Becker.
Giorgi Mamardashvili and Alisson Becker.(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot says Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will return to training today ahead of this weekend's visit of Chelsea, though Alisson Becker remains sidelined.
Alisson has been missing since the 4-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League, and while Mamardashvili initially stepped in, he was stretchered off against Everton after a collision caused a deep cut in his leg. Alisson and Mohamed Salah are close to returning to training, Slot said, but neither are back yet.
The former Preston shot-stopper Freddie Woodman has been deputizing. He had an injury scare against Crystal Palace but recovered and played the full 90 minutes against Manchester United last Sunday.
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In recent weeks, Alisson has been linked with a transfer move to the Italian giant Juventus. The Serie A club is said to have made him its top target ahead of the summer.
However, Reds legend John Aldridge has insisted that Liverpool simply cannot afford to sanction a deal that would see Alisson leave, as a result of his goalkeeping quality and also his experience.
"One thing that Liverpool cannot allow to happen is Alisson leaving this summer," Aldridge told Betting Lounge.
"Liverpool cannot allow that. It’s come out about his future and him potentially leaving, but it would be such a bad move for the club — as bad as letting Luis Diaz go last year.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Alisson Becker of Liverpool drinks a coffee as he looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield on April 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
"I know you've got to bring money in to get players you want, but not a chance. He's still got years.
"Goalies are alright until their late 30s. I know he's struggling a bit now with his kicking and his leg muscles, but you know, as long as he's got two hands, he’ll be alright."
Slot was asked about Alisson's future ahead of the Crystal Palace game last month.
"I am only focused on the short-term future, and that is getting him back into goal as soon as possible," Slot replied.
"The answer is going to be that all these rumors that are out there about him and about probably me and about others, we don't react to rumors in this room, also not in my conversations with [sporting director] Richard [Hughes].
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"We only react when facts need to be told and that is not the situation at the moment.
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"The main focus for Ali is very clear, that is getting back in goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for and then he wants to be in goal for the country he wants to play for, that is Brazil. I think that is already the short and mid-term future."
With the first two choices in goal having been sidelined of late, Liverpool has had young talent Armin Pecsi on the bench. He signed last summer and has impressed at youth level.
"Armin is in a very good place," Slot told reporters a week ago. "His teammates are sometimes annoyed by how well he brings the ball out from the back when they want to press him, so he’s in a very good place."