Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool supporters have been anxiously awaiting clarity on Giorgi Mamardashvili’s condition ever since the Georgian was stretchered off midway through Sunday’s 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton.
The 25-year-old, deputising for the injured Alisson Becker, sustained what Arne Slot later described as an “open wound” to his knee after colliding with Beto and Andy Robertson as the Everton striker bundled home an equaliser, forcing the keeper off on a stretcher and thrusting Freddie Woodman into an unexpected Premier League debut.
With Alisson still working his way back from a hamstring issue, any prolonged absence for Mamardashvili would leave Liverpool’s goalkeeping cupboard looking uncomfortably bare heading into a crucial final stretch of the season.
Now reliable Georgian journalist “Geo Team” on X has reported that the goalkeeper will return to training in around three weeks:
“Per my information, Giorgi Mamardashvili will be back in 3 weeks! Understood, last night the Georgian had an open wound stitched. The recovery of the wound will determine the mobility of his knee, so the expected time to return training is 3 weeks.”
Mamardashvili himself took to social media later that evening to reassure supporters, posting a short message thanking fans for their support and promising he would be “back soon.”
With Alisson still not back to full fitness and Mamardashvili’s status in the air, Woodman could be in line to start his first Premier League game against the very opponents in Crystal Palace he faced on his overall Liverpool debut back in October’s Carabao Cup tie.
However, speaking after the derby win, Woodman was unsure of whether he would feature:
“I’m not sure about that Ali, if he plays, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. So, listen, I hope he’s back fit.”
“I hope Georgie is going to recover well. And, listen, I’ll just keep doing my role to the best I can. And that’s exactly what I’ve tried to all season.”
“Just try to be ready for, you know, 20 minutes, 10 minutes when needed. And that’s what I’ve had to do.”