Liverpool looked set to lose yet another goalkeeper to injury on Saturday when third-choice option Freddie Woodman was nearly forced off against Crystal Palace.
Woodman impressed earlier in the game and played a key role in the Reds’ second goal of the day.
However, after saving an effort in the second half, the shot-stopper went to ground holding his knee, allowing Daniel Munoz to put the ball into an empty net, which Mark Clattenburg has reacted to and said there is nothing in the law that means play had to be stopped.
Who was the best performer in a nervy win against Crystal Palace? 👀
Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Ex-Premier League referee reacts to Palace scoring after Freddie Woodman’s injury
Liverpool players seemed to stop playing and made no real attempt to cover the open goal while Woodman was down on the floor.
Speaking to Rousing The Kop about the situation, former Premier League referee Clattenburg commented: “It’s certainly an interesting situation when Freddie Woodman comes out and gets injured while stopping a Crystal Palace getting to the ball.
“The ball, in a matter of seconds, falls to Daniel Munoz, who scored into an empty net.
“There is nothing in the laws of the game for the play to be stopped, and if Crystal Palace did not have a promising attack, then I am sure Andy Madley would have stopped play for the goalkeeper to receive treatment.”
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Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Arne Slot’s injury update on Alisson
While Liverpool fans will be focused on the decision to allow the goal to stand, it is worth remembering Slot has had problems with his three main goalkeepers to this year.
However, an update on Alisson Becker was provided by the Reds coach prior to Saturday’s game, and the Brazilian could be back soon.
Slot said: “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.”
Liverpool are next in action a week from Sunday, taking on old rivals Manchester United.
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