The Liverpool head coach gave an update during Friday's press conference ahead of the clash against Crystal Palace, with the goalkeeping department his biggest area of concern
09:04, 24 Apr 2026Updated 09:21, 24 Apr 2026
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Liverpool press conference live blog banner image
Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson could be in line to return in Saturday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, but admitted the game may come "too soon" for the Brazilian.
The Reds head into the match at Anfield looking to strengthen their top-five hopes, and they can move eight points clear of Brighton in sixth win a win over Palace.
But Liverpool again have to manage without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, who has not played since mid-March due to a hamstring injury. With Giorgi Mamardashvili also picking up an injury last week in the win over Everton, third-choice Freddie Woodman was forced to deputize for the final half and hour, and is expected to start again against Palace.
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Speaking in Friday's press conference, Slot said: "No, Giorgi will definitely not be available and also not for the upcoming weeks. Ali is close to coming back - let’s see if tomorrow comes too quickly."
That could mean that Freddie Woodman would make a third Liverpool appearance since joining the club last summer. Slot said the third-choice goalkeeper is "ready" if called upon.
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Meanwhile, Arne Slot confirmed Joe Gomez is set to be back this weekend after missing last week's win over Everton.
"That’s really positive because last week I only had one center-back, so it’s a positive that Joe is back."
Slot added that Hugo Ekitike's surgery on the ruptured Achilles went well, but would not be drawn on his possible return date.