Liverpool’s trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend has been hit with a major setback. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been ruled out after picking up an injury in the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
The Brazilian shot-stopper was forced off in the second half after making a one-on-one save from Victor Osimhen at RAMS Park. His exit left fans and teammates concerned, with manager Arne Slot confirming the worst fears after the game.
“When he sprinted back he felt something. I cannot tell you [exactly] because I am not a physio, but normally when a player when he sprints back, feels something, goes to the floor and doesn’t come back onto the pitch [it’s not good].
“If my player is on the floor, I nine out of 10 times fear the worst – and by the worst I mean he cannot continue. That’s what happened with Alisson.
“Normally, he will not be able to play Saturday. That’s 99.9 per cent – I’ve already said 100 per cent, but let’s make it 99.9 [although] I think it’s 100.”
The Reds’ troubles didn’t stop there. New signing Hugo Ekitike also limped off midway through the second half after stretching to meet a forward ball. He was immediately replaced and now faces a battle to recover before the Premier League showdown in London.
“He felt something when he had to reach for the ball,” Slot said. “I think we all know which one it was when we were trying to force something.
“I think at that moment in time, on the other side there was someone on the floor as well, so the referee blew his whistle and I wasn’t even thinking we had an injury, but Hugo felt something.
“After the game, that’s always the difficult thing with these moments when players feel like it is not too bad, but when you just walk around it is something different than when you make a sprint or have to shoot on target.
“He said he couldn’t continue so we had to take him off. Let’s see how he is for the weekend.”
With the Brazilian goalie sidelined and Ekitike doubtful, the Merseyside side’s preparations for Chelsea have been rocked. The Reds now face a huge test of depth as they try to bounce back from their midweek defeat and keep pace in the Premier League.
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