Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper Alisson Becker is set to miss the team’s Premier League clash against Brentford on Saturday, February 17.
This news comes despite Jurgen Klopp reassuring the public that Alisson will feature when he spoke in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
However, Liverpool’s number one faced another setback to a hamstring injury he has been nursing for a while. It happened during the team’s training session on Friday before matchday the following day. While the extent of the setback is unclear, what is clear is that he will miss the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.
Alisson Becker also missed the Reds’ 3-1 win over Burnley last weekend as he was taken ill with the flu. Backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher took the gloves in the Brazilian’s absence and will likely start against the Bees as well.
Kelleher has been Liverpool’s cup goalkeeper for a few seasons now and is a reliable customer between the sticks. The 25-year-old has made 34 senior appearances for the Reds and has kept 12 clean sheets. Klopp will go with the Irishman once again for the foreseeable future.
This injury layoff could also come as a much-needed breather for Alisson, who has had his fair share of blunders this season. He was at fault for two of Arsenal’s goals in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, which ultimately cost the Reds the game.
The 31-year-old had a solid season for the Reds last time around. He conceded 59 goals in 47 total appearances and kept 17 clean sheets along the way. This season, his overall record looks better, with just 21 goals conceded in 24 games, with nine clean sheets. However, isolated errors have been his undoing.
Alisson Becker will look to return in pristine condition as Liverpool gear up for a busy run-in period.
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