Liverpool faces challenges in upcoming crucial matches with goalkeeper Alisson sidelined for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Alisson’s Extended Absence
The Brazilian shot-stopper, aged 33, will miss these season-defining games due to a hamstring-related injury. He sat out the recent defeat at Brighton and Brazil’s international camp. Data indicates he has endured 11 injury or illness setbacks over the past three seasons, predominantly hamstring issues.
Alisson recently activated a contract extension, securing his stay at Anfield through next season. However, Liverpool prepared for such scenarios by signing Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia two years ago. The Georgian goalkeeper steps in as deputy, with head coach Arne Slot unlikely to select third-choice Freddie Woodman for the Etihad showdown.
Slot confirmed: “(Alisson) will not be part of the Paris Saint-Germain games as well. He will be out for a bit longer. Towards the end of the season we expect him to be fit.”
Salah Set for Comeback
Boosting the squad, Mohamed Salah returns after missing the Brighton loss and Egypt’s international duties. This marks the start of his farewell appearances following his announcement to depart at season’s end.
Isak and Frimpong Nearing Returns
Alexander Isak completes two training sessions before facing City and may feature briefly from the bench. This would end his three-and-a-half-month layoff from a fractured tibia sustained at Tottenham Hotspur on December 20.
Jeremie Frimpong resumes training after a Netherlands international issue, though Slot proceeds cautiously given his multiple injuries this season.
On Isak’s progress, Slot stated: “It will definitely be too fast to expect him in the starting line-up; he trained with us yesterday for the first time after exactly 101 days out. It will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes, but we will make sure we do the right thing in terms of building him up. It is a very good thing to have him on the training ground again. It will be even better to have him available for games.”
