Liverpool were again without Alisson Becker for their home clash with Crystal Palace, and Arne Slot shared more on the Brazilian’s fitness in the buildup to Saturday’s game.
Since Giorgi Mamardashvili picked up an injury in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool have relied on Freddie Woodman between the posts. The third-choice Liverpool keeper has been doing very well, but the presence of Alisson would obviously be a boost.
There was hope he could be back for Palace, but he was left out again. It suggests he isn’t fully back to normal, but Slot’s comments provide encouragement.
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Freddie Woodman applauds Liverpool fans after the Premier League match against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Paul Ellis/AFP).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Paul Ellis AFP
Arne Slot says Alisson Becker is very close to Liverpool return
Liverpool aren’t too far from full-health ahead of the run-in. Hugo Ekitike is obviously out, and there are problems at right-back again, but it has been much worse at points this season.
Fortunately, the goalkeeper issue is coming to an end with Alisson looking like being back available next week.
Slot told Sky Sports: “Alisson is close to returning to play but not close enough to start, it was clear and obvious for [Woodman] throughout the week that he would start this game.”
Alisson Becker holds his hand towards the camera while warming up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray
Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It sounds like this Palace game was a close call, but having Alisson back for a trip to Old Trafford next week would be significant. As good as Woodman has been, we want a world-class shotstopper at the back of the pitch.
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Mamardashvili will soon return for Liverpool as well, so there will be a selection decision to make.
Will Slot choose to stick with the experience of Alisson or will they want their future No.1 getting minutes and building chemistry with his teammates?
It could well be the final weeks of the Brazilian’s time at Anfield. If that is the case, it might give the manager added incentive to go with him. Or it could go the other way.
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