Liverpool have been dealt a tough blow with the news that Alisson is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday.
The goalkeeper appeared to be suffering with an issue in the closing minutes of the clash at the Etihad, and was immediately seen to by the club’s medical team following the full-time whistle.
The injury is not as bad as initially feared but it is likely to keep Allison out of action for around two weeks. Caoimhin Kelleher will be expected to take his place between the sticks until he is ready to return.
Diogo Jota also picked up an injury during the Premier League clash, and is likely to be out for longer than Alisson, but with the options Jurgen Klopp has available up front his absence will pose less of a challenge.
“Both are out,” said Klopp, speaking at a press conference ahead of the Europa League clash with LASK. “With Ali it’s a bit lesser, so we have to see.”
“He will not play tomorrow, not on Sunday, probably not the week after. Then it should be kind of OK.”
The Reds face Austrian side LASK at Anfield tomorrow, before a return to Premier League action with another home game against Fulham. Based on Klopp’s comments it appears that Alisson will also miss league trips to Sheffield United and Crystal Palace before potentially returning against Union St Gilloise in the Europa League on 14 December.
Fans will be hopeful the Brazilian stopper is available for the visit of Manchester United to Anfield on 17 December.
Speaking on Jota, Klopp confirmed there is no timescale for the player’s return at present.
“Diogo will take a little bit longer, we don’t know exactly how long, but it’s a bit more severe. We have to see.”
With Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz all fit there are plenty of options to compensate for the loss of Jota. Alisson’s absence will be felt more strongly though, and it is fortunate that it appears his injury will only keep him out for a relatively easy run of games.
