Liverpool do not expect goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros back until late 2026 after undergoing knee surgery, which could complicate plans for the coming season.
Jaros underwent surgery in February after suffering a serious knee injury in training while on loan at Ajax.
The 24-year-old returned to Merseyside with his stay in Amsterdam cut short and has continued his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre.
But while Jaros could present Andoni Iraola with an accomplished deputy to Alisson next season, he remains sidelined until the end of the year.
The Athletic‘s Gregg Evans reports that, along with his hopes of representing the Czech Republic at this summer’s World Cup, the goalkeeper’s surgery will also rule him out for most of 2026.
Why Jaros injury could impact Liverpool’s goalkeeper plans
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 9, 2024: Liverpool's substitute goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That impacts Jaros’ chances of another move or, alternatively, any plans to rejig Liverpool’s options between the sticks ahead of 2026/27.
Alisson‘s decision to stay at Liverpool amid interest from Juventus has cast doubt over Giorgi Mamardashvili‘s immediate future.
But with Jaros still sidelined it remains to be seen whether Mamardashvili – who is unlikely to be willing to remain backup for another campaign – can be afforded a loan move.
The situation could of course change if Mamardashvili is instead sold and another goalkeeper is brought in, as has been suggested in some sections of the media.
Could Jaros be a long-term goalkeeper for Liverpool?
3CACE10 AMSTERDAM - Ajax goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros during the practice match between Ajax Amsterdam and AS Monaco at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Aug. 3, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | GERRIT VAN KEULEN
Jaros has spent much of the last five seasons out on loan, with spells at St Patrick’s Athletic, Notts County, Stockport County, Sturm Graz and then Ajax allowing him to develop into a reliable stopper.
He played 26 times for Ajax prior to his injury and, though he conceded 42 goals in that time in a struggling side, he only enhanced his reputation in the process.
It could be that he remains in line for a promotion at Liverpool as Alisson nears the end of his long, successful run at Anfield.
However the chances of Jaros taking over as first or even second-choice goalkeeper at this stage remain unclear, not only due to his injury but also the change in staff as Iraola arrives.
For now, the focus will be on his recovery – with a long road still ahead before he is cleared to resume training.