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Alisson absence explained as Liverpool make surprise selection for Everton clash

Arne Slot has named his XI for the Merseyside derby clash with Everton

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Updated 19:15, 02 Apr 2025

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Caoimhin Kelleher and Alisson Becker of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 11, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Caoimhin Kelleher deputises for Alisson Becker in goal for Liverpool as Curtis Jones starts at right-back against Everton at Anfield.

Alisson suffered a concussion on Brazil duty against Colombia on March 21 and sat out the second game of the international break as the Selecao were beaten 4-1 by Argentina, but having returned to training as normal this week, the No.1 is forced to miss the Merseyside derby.

After Alisson clashed with Colombia's Davinson Sanchez, Liverpool opted against taking any further risks with their shot-stopper. It means Kelleher features in his first Premier League game since December's 3-3 draw at Newcastle with Vitezslav Jaros part of the bench.

READ MORE: Liverpool vs Everton LIVE - team news, TV channel, kick-off time, score and commentary stream

Jones plays on the right of the back four as Jarell Quansah drops to the bench having started the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United on March 16. With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez all sidelined with injuries, Arne Slot has opted for midfielder Jones over centre-half Quansah in the position, with the Reds expected to dominate possession in the 246th meeting between these two local rivals.

It's an unchanged midfield from the Wembley showpiece loss as Ryan Gravenberch, who was sent home early from Netherlands duty as a precaution, starting alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who played in that 4-1 win over Alisson's Brazil last week. Dominik Szoboszlai is the most advanced of the midfield trio and Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo are on the bench.

Up top, Mohamed Salah looks to add to his 32 goals in all competitions on the right side, while Luis Diaz keeps Cody Gakpo out of the team on the opposite flank. Diogo Jota leads the line with Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez in reserve.

Liverpool: Kelleher; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.

Subs: Jaros, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Elliott, Chiesa, Nunez, Gakpo, McConnell.

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