Liverpool lose goalkeeper Alisson Becker until the end of the season
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be sidelined until the end of the season with his latest injury setback, manager Arne Slot has confirmed.
The Brazilian international was absent from the recent Premier League trip to Brighton and will now miss crucial upcoming fixtures.
He is officially ruled out of the FA Cup clash against Manchester City and the Champions League meeting with Paris St-Germain.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Reds boss delivered a sobering update on his first-choice stopper.
“He will not be part of the PSG game either, he is out for a bit longer,” Slot stated.
“Towards the end of the season we expect him to be fit.”
Salah returns for crucial cup tie
While the news regarding the goalkeeper is a significant blow, the Anfield club have been boosted by the return of key attacking personnel.
Mohamed Salah is fit to rejoin the squad for the Manchester City tie after sitting out the recent defeat on the south coast.
The upcoming fixture marks the Egyptian forward’s first appearance since announcing his intention to leave Merseyside when his contract expires.
“Yes he is available, he trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for tomorrow,” Slot confirmed.
Isak back after lengthy absence
Alongside the returning winger, Alexander Isak is also back in full training following a broken leg suffered last December.
The Swedish striker has spent 101 days in rehabilitation and will have his match minutes carefully managed upon his integration back into the first team.
Slot was quick to urge caution regarding the forward, ruling out an immediate return to the starting lineup.
“It’ll be too soon to expect him in the starting lineup, it was first time training yesterday after 101 days out,” added the Dutch coach.
“It will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes, but we will make sure we do the right thing to build him up.”
With the possibility of extra time in the domestic cup competition, the coaching staff are reluctant to risk a premature introduction from the substitutes’ bench.
Furthermore, right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been declared fit for action, though his playing time will also be subject to strict monitoring.
