Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson Becker is close to returning from injury, but remains uncertain whether the Brazilian will be fit for Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. Alisson has missed the Reds' last six matches, and Slot revealed that second-choice goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also sidelined after being stretchered off in last weekend's Merseyside derby.
Slot provided an update on his goalkeeping options, stating: "Giorgi will definitely not be available for the upcoming week. Ali is close to a return to play, let's see if tomorrow comes too early. That leaves Freddie as an option." Freddie Woodman, who joined on a free transfer from Preston North End in the summer, made his first Premier League appearance since 2021 in the win over Everton.
Alisson has been linked with a summer move to Juventus, but Slot dismissed the speculation, saying: "I'm only focused on the short term and getting him back in goal. All these rumours that are out there about him or about me or others – we don't react to rumours in this room. He wants to be in goal for the club he loves to play for."
The Liverpool manager also addressed the increase in muscle injuries, attributing it to the demanding schedule. "Football has changed so much, muscle injuries more and more, and we all know why: the crazy schedule," Slot said. "Maybe age plays a part, but this week we saw Lamine Yamal get an injury, it's more to do with the schedule."
