Liverpool boss Arne Slott revealed that Alison Becker is likely to be on the sidelines until after an international break. The veteran goalkeeper was kicked out in the second half of the week’s mid-week defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League. He appeared to have hurt his hamstring while running back to save just before the time mark.
In the aftermath of the fixture, it was reported that Allison faces an extended spell on the bystander. These fears were confirmed on Friday, with slots claiming he was “surprised” if the Brazilian stopper was available shortly after an international break. He will undoubtedly miss Saturday’s match against Chelsea, where Giorgi Mamaldashvili was set to appear between the sticks.
Slot also revealed that Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa will return to training before the game at Stamford Bridge.
“Alison is not part of the team tomorrow and will not travel to Brazil with the national team,” the Liverpool boss said. “He’s off on Saturday, and Hugo will be training again today, and the same can be done with Federico.
“If he (Alison) was in his first game after an international break, I would be surprised, but I don’t know after that.
A slot quized on the severity of the injury, “I’m not a doctor so I don’t know if it’s the same time each time. I’m mainly interested in how well it works and having others in the club who can give a better answer.”
Liverpool is eager to return to victory over Chelsea, who lost four of their last five games in all competitions, and slots are sure that Mamal Dashvili will be appointed to the task of trading Allison for fixtures.
“We knew we would bring in some very good goalkeepers,” he said. “When he plays his first game, it’s the best way to see if he’s tweaked well.
“We saw against Southampton that he adjusted very well with our club. It’s not a surprise as he’s a quality goalkeeper. Now, Kaoimhin (Kelehar) can do things that he’s had to do many times in the past by replacing Ali.”
Looking back on the week’s defeat to Galatasaray, the Liverpool boss added:
“Last season’s margins were very small and this season is the same. We’re trying to find ways to adjust better than that, not about luck or set pieces.
“Ekitike did it all twice to step in, and one of the players will defeat what appears to be the worst hit ever.
