Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretched off in the Merseyside derby, having collided with Beto during the Everton striker's goal which levelled the game before a late winner
Arne Slot press conference
Arne Slot has provided an update(Image: Redmen TV 2)
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Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was taken straight to hospital after suffering a nasty injury during the Merseyside derby. Mamardashvili, 25, had to be stretchered off in the second half of Sunday's dramatic 2-1 win away to Everton.
The Georgian collided with Beto as the Everton striker slid in to score an equaliser, cancelling out the opening goal from Mo Salah. On came Freddie Woodman to replace Mamardashvili for his Premier League debut for the Reds, and with No.1 Alisson already nursing an injury of his own, Liverpool's third choice is expected to start next Saturday's game at home to Crystal Palace.
"It didn't look great," Slot told Match of the Day when asked about Mamardashvili's injury. "It was a big wound and he went straight to the hospital. Let's see how that works out for him but we fear the worst - not for a long-term injury but for next week."
Alisson is expected back for the last few games of the season and Van Dijk's 100th-minute winner means that they could well have wrapped up Champions League qualification by the time he returns. Earlier this month, Slot said: "Towards the end of the season, we expect him to be fit."
Besides the incident involving Mamardashvili, it was derby delight for Liverpool. "We are going to enjoy," Slot beamed. "My staff, my players and me.
"There is no difference between us and the fans, we would have loved to have had a better season than we've had. But for obvious reasons we haven't, and we saw that today.
"How many times do you have two goalkeepers injured? That has been our season but we managed to win and that's the most important thing."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Beto of Everton (obscured) scores their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Giorgi Mamardashvili was taken to hospital mid-game(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Title holders Liverpool will go trophyless this season, but Van Dijk's winner goes down as a bright spot in what's otherwise been more than a tough season at Anfield. "That's an understatement to say it's been a tough season," Van Dijk commented.
"We've been very poor, what we are used to and should expect from Liverpool. We have five games left, we have to give it everything, at least qualify for Champions League.
"Next year we have to do much better in every sense. That's the reality. Five more games left and we have to give it everything."