Alisson
Image Credits: Getty Images
Alisson was a conspicuous absentee in Liverpool’s starting XI versus Everton.
Liverpool returned to action on Wednesday with a game against fierce rivals Everton at Anfield.
The Premier League leaders have a chance to maintain their 12-point lead at the top of the table, having seen their lead reduced to nine points following Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham a day earlier.
Arne Slot named a surprising XI for the game against Everton, with Curtis Jones seemingly named in the right-back position, given the absentees of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley.
Elsewhere, Alisson was unable to start in goal, with Slot naming Caoimhin Kelleher, who started in the League Cup final in goal.
The Brazilian was one of two Liverpool players who returned to the club early during the international break.
The Liverpool man sustained a head injury during his side’s World Cup qualifier game against Colombia and had to be substituted after clashing heads with former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez.
After the gam, Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar provided clarity on the head injury, confirming that Alisson was substituted due to a “suspected concussion.”
“Alisson suffered a head injury and was replaced due to a suspected concussion,” Brazil’s team doctor said.
“We will now follow the CBF protocol, and he will undergo the recommended… tests.
“If all the tests are normal, we will proceed and perform a cognitive test. Then, we will evaluate the player.
“He is normal, without any complaints. He did not report any fainting or memory loss.”
During his pre-match press conference, Slot admitted that the goalkeeper was training with the squad, but was not specific if he would start against Everton.
“Ali trained with us as well,” he said.
“The last check has to be made, I think that’s this afternoon after the session, [to determine] if he is available to play.”
With Alisson now missing the game, it is apparent that he failed the concussion test.
Slot offered more explanation about Alisson’s absence before kickoff of the Everton game.
“We as a club follow the protocol, and he had to tick all the boxes, and yesterday he didn’t tick the last box, so that means he cannot start,” Slot told Sky Sports.
“The good thing for us is we’ve got Caoimhin Kelleher, who has shown many times this season and in previous seasons that he’s maybe even too good to be Ali’s back-up.”
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