Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Arne Slot has reportedly made a decision on who will start between the posts in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Kelleher’s increased playing time over the past two seasons has come primarily through some of Alisson’s injury struggles.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was sidelined with a serious hamstring issue in early October 2024, having already missed significant periods in previous campaigns.
The academy graduate has seized this opportunity with both hands. By early December, he had already kept four clean sheets in eight games during one absence period.
His performances were so convincing that many observers have questioned whether he deserves to retain his place even after Alisson returns to full fitness.
These displays are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern. Every time Kelleher has been called upon – whether in Premier League, Champions League, or domestic cup competitions – he has demonstrated remarkable consistency and quality.
Despite Kelleher’s excellent performances, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been unequivocal about the goalkeeping hierarchy at Anfield – with the Brazilian his clear No.1.
What remains clear throughout this situation is that Liverpool possesses a backup goalkeeper of exceptional quality. In his 17 appearances this season. Kelleher has won 11, drawn four, and lost just one game – an outstanding record.
And ahead of the Carabao Cup tie, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to entrust Caoimhin Kelleher with goalkeeping duties for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, continuing the club’s tradition of utilizing their backup goalkeeper in domestic cup competitions.
This is according to Lewis Steele for the Daily Mail’s Liverpool Confidential, who reports that although the decision must still be set in stone – it’s more likely than not we see the Ireland international start at Wembley.
While Alisson did feature in one leg of Liverpool’s semi-final victory over Tottenham, this appearance was primarily designed to provide the Brazilian with much-needed match rhythm following his extended absence with a hamstring problem. The decision should not be interpreted as a preview of Slot’s final selection.
Kelleher’s potential selection would continue his remarkable association with Liverpool’s recent domestic cup successes. The 26-year-old was the hero when Liverpool claimed this very trophy last season, though circumstances were different as Alisson was unavailable through injury at that time.
The 26-year-old played a crucial role in Liverpool’s domestic cup double in 2022, establishing himself as a specialist in these competitions regardless of Alisson’s fitness status.
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