Liverpool have been hit with another injury after Giorgi Mamadashvili was stretchered off injured during Everton’s equalizer in the Merseyside derby. The former Valencia goalkeeper was forced off the pitch after a collision with Andy Robertson and was replaced by Freddie Woodman, who was making his Premier League debut.
A sliding challenge from Beto and Robertson meant Mamadashvili was unable to thwart the Toffees forward at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Georgia player was seen holding his side as he received treatment on the goal line before being carried off the field on a stretcher.
It means another setback for Arne Slott as the Reds battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League. With Alisson Becker sidelined and expected to return until next month, Mamadashvili was the Dutchman’s preferred choice.
Liverpool had two options for a substitute goalkeeper, with Slott having to choose between Woodman and Armin Peksi. He opted to use Woodman for his first Premier League appearance, but only his second appearance for Liverpool after appearing in the Carabao Cup, a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Anfield in October.
Woodman, who was introduced in the 59th minute, was making his first Premier League appearance for the Reds and last played in the top flight for Newcastle United in 2021/22. The goalkeeper joined Liverpool on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Preston North End, where he spent three seasons in the Championship.
Liverpool broke the deadlock against Merseyside on Sunday thanks to Mohamed Salah’s performance. The Egyptian scored in his final derby appearance shortly after the Toffees had a goal ruled out, giving the hosts a stunning blow.
Iliman Ndiay sent Goodison Park into a state of delirium, with referee Chris Kavanagh ordering VAR to rule out an offside attempt. Jake O’Brien, who provided the assist, was adjudged to have been in an offside position during the build-up.
Everton were forced into another setback in the 87th minute when Jarrad Branthwaite was stretchered off and Michael Keane was brought on to replace the defender. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored the winning goal for the visitors in the 11th minute of stoppage time with a header from a corner kick by Dominik Szoboszlai.
