Arne Slot has provided an update on Alisson Becker's fitness and responded after the Liverpool goalkeeper was linked with a move to Juventus
Arne Slot
Arne Slot
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Arne Slot has revealed Alisson Becker is closing in on a return to action – but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to play against Crystal Palace. The Liverpool first-choice goalkeeper has missed his side's last six games because of a hamstring injury.
While his replacement Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretched off during his side’s 2-1 victory over the Blues at Hill Dickinson Stadium after he sustained a 'big wound' after Beto accidentally collided with him when equalising. The Georgian was taken to hospital and replaced by Freddie Woodman, who could now be in line to start for the first time for the Reds in the Premier League against the Eagles.
“Giorgi will definitely not be available and for the upcoming week,” Slot replied when asked for an update on his goalkeepers. “Ali is close to a return of play, let's see if tomorrow comes too early, yes or no. That leaves Freddie as an option.”
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Alisson has also been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move to Juventus during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Brazalian’s deal at the club was due to expire this summer, but the Reds triggered a 12-month option last month to extend it for a further year.
However, that hasn’t stopped reports from Italy emerging this week claiming that Juve are intensifying their pursuit of him, and one even claimed Alisson's representatives will be in the country to discuss a possible contract offer at the weekend's game at AC Milan.
But when asked about the specualtion, Slot said: "I'm only focused on short term and getting him back in goal. All these rumours that are out there about him or about me or others, we don't react to rumours in this room.
Alisson Becker and Arne Slot
(Image: Getty Images)
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"Not in my conversations with Richard (Hughes), we only react when facts need to be told and there's nothing at the moment.He wants to be in goal for the club he loves to play for and then the country he loves to play for.
"We are looking at these kind of injuries he is having. Muscle injury you always look to prevent with your training programme. He's not the only one.
"But football has changed so much, muscle injuries more and more and more and we all know why, the crazy schedule which to be fair I like as I can always watch a game on television every night, but for the health of the players it's getting more and more and more. Maybe age plays a part but this week we saw Lamal get an injury, it's more to do with the schedule they are playing."
Alisson Becker, Freddie Woodman and Giorgi Mamardashvili before a Liverpool training session(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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While Woodman joined the Reds on a free transfer from Preston North End in the summer, and last Sunday’s appearance was his first in the Premier League since 2021.
But Slot believes the former Newcastle United man is ready to deputise if Alisson is unable to feature at Anfield.
He said: “For a reason we signed experienced third goalkeeper. That's why we were happy to pick him up on free transfer.
“Apart from him being a good goalkeeper, he has the experience to play in Premier League, and he is a very good man and very liked in the dressing room and that's also a role important for the third goalkeeper. He's ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans support him tomorrow.”