Alisson Becker to miss Man United vs. Liverpool match due to injury (Image: Getty)
Manager Arne Slott admitted Alisson Becker remains a doubt for Liverpool’s exciting clash with Manchester United this weekend, but hinted that the Brazilian could start if he can get through one training session unscathed.
Alisson has missed the past seven games with a hamstring issue that has plagued him for much of the season. Giorgi Mamadashvili is also recovering from an injury sustained in the derby win against Everton two weeks ago, so Freddie Woodman could start again. Woodman replaced Mamadashvili at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and had a man-of-the-match performance in last Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace.
Liverpool boss Slott said on Friday morning: “Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. He’s very close to training with us. We have to hear from the medical staff whether he’s ready to train today, tomorrow or early next week.”
“He’s very close but we don’t want to take any risks. That’s not what you should do with a player and that’s not what we’re doing now.
“I think there’s a difference between a goalie and an (outfield) player, because if a player hasn’t practiced for a few weeks… the (outfield) player needs to run more than the goalie.
“So I don’t think it’s a problem that[outfield]players forget to play football when they’re out for four or five weeks. It’s usually just that their fitness level isn’t up to the intensity to be able to play at the level that the Premier League requires. There’s a difference between a goalkeeper and an outfield player.
“For us, it’s a bonus to have players back because the periods are getting longer and longer. It’s been that way all season long.”
Liverpool will also be without Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni, with Milos Kerkes suffering another injury scare. Slott hopes the Hungarian will be able to remain in the squad this weekend despite suffering a knock earlier this week.
“Milos had a little bit of a problem,” Slott said. “He left the practice field the day before yesterday, but we expect him to practice today or tomorrow.”
Milos Kerkes suffers injury scare (Image: Getty)
Liverpool travel to United on Sunday looking for their fourth consecutive Premier League win. This would put them in a better position to outperform their bitter rivals and secure Champions League football after a tumultuous season.
He will be forced to do without Mohamed Salah for the trip to East Lancs Road after his appearance against Palace was cut short due to a hamstring problem. However, it was confirmed this week that the Egyptian is set to feature again for Liverpool before leaving at the end of the season.
“As we know from Mo, he always works incredibly hard, not only when he’s fit but also when he’s injured to get back as quickly as possible,” Slott said.
“Typically he can get back fit faster than other players with minor injuries, so we expect him to be back towards the end of the season, but he won’t be back before Sunday.
“In many ways, it’s a huge relief that his injury was minor and he can play for us and in the World Cup. If ever a player deserves a big send-off, it’s definitely him.”
