Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to be sidelined for two to four weeks after suffering a deep wound to his knee, as per The Athletic (h/t Liverpool.com). Fans were left concerned after the Georgian was stretchered off clutching his knee during the Reds' 2-1 win over Everton in their Premier League clash on Sunday, April 19.
The injury occurred during Everton's leveler in the 54th minute. Beto's sliding effort found the back of the net, but in doing so, collided with Mamardashvili in the process, resulting in third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman making his Premier League debut for Liverpool.
Fortunately, Mamardashvili is reportedly out of the hospital, but will be sidelined for two to four weeks. The 25-year-old has looked decent for the Reds this season, keeping four clean sheets in 18 appearances across all competitions.
However, Alisson Becker is also sidelined with a hamstring injury and isn't expected to be back before Liverpool's Premier League clash against Manchester United (May 3). Therefore, Woodman is expected to start in goal for the Reds in their next fixture against Crystal Palace (April 25).
"Since he has come in he has been unbelievable" - Andy Robertson waxes lyrical about Liverpool star following Everton win
Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has hailed Freddie Woodman after the latter looked composed in front of goal during their 2-1 win over Everton. Robertson praised the 29-year-old for his composure and work ethic, revealing that the latter received a positive reception in the dressing room after the Merseyside Derby.
After representing Preston North End for three years, the Reds signed Woodman on a free transfer last summer. However, the former England U21 international has only made two appearances across all competitions this season, with Alisson and Mamardashvili ahead in the pecking order.
As per Liverpool's official website (via Rousing the Kop), Robertson said:
"I take the mickey out of him a lot and me and Freddie always have a laugh and a joke but he’s a credit to himself. Since he has come in he has been unbelievable. Whether that’s Mo Salah wanting to stay out and take penalties an hour after training – Woody is the one that is out there – or whether it’s running after the game as well. I’ve dragged him out after PSG and he got through it with the lads and he is always there for everyone and always there to support."
He added:
"These people in a club like this are so important. Maybe they don’t always get the credit they deserve and get the limelight or things like that, but when he walked back in the changing room he got a nice reception."
"It’s true that fringe players — and especially reserve goalkeepers — don’t always get the recognition for a team’s success. When you go eight months into the season before making a league appearance, the difficulty of being mentally prepared to perform cannot be overstated."
Woodman had a solid performance during his 32 minutes on the pitch against Everton, making one save and three recoveries.