Arne Slot remains hopeful of having Alisson back as soon as possible
Lead: The Dutch manager is confident the Brazilian could be available for the clash against Tottenham.
Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot remains optimistic regarding the potential return of his star goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, for the upcoming clash against Tottenham Hotspur. However, a definitive answer on the Brazilian's fitness remains up in the air as the medical team works around the clock.
The goalkeeper was a surprise omission from the midweek squad against Galatasaray SK, forcing Giorgi Mamardashvili to step into the spotlight on short notice.
The Nature of the Injury
While the setback doesn't appear to be a long-term crisis, Alisson's presence for Sunday's showdown at Anfield is still being evaluated. Speaking at the AXA Training Centre, Slot detailed the current recovery process:
- Rehabilitation: Alisson has been undergoing intense physiotherapy and specialized rehab sessions.
- The "Tweak": The injury occurred in a freak moment during training—a small muscle strain felt immediately after making a routine pass.
- The Verdict: Initial tests confirmed it is a minor setback, but one that requires caution given the density of the current fixture list.
Slot noted that the goal is to see if the keeper can rejoin full first-team training sessions before the final squad list is submitted for the weekend.
A Busy Treatment Room
Alisson isn't the only one dealing with health hurdles. The manager also touched on the status of Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger was noticeably absent from the recent travel party to Istanbul.
According to Slot, Chiesa was sidelined by a medical illness that prevented him from training with the group. His recovery timeline remains separate from the physical injuries affecting the rest of the squad, but it adds another layer of complexity to Slot's rotation plans.
What’s Next for the Reds?
If Alisson is not 100%, Mamardashvili is expected to continue his run in the starting XI. For a high-stakes match against a transformed Spurs side, having the world's best goalkeeper between the posts would be a massive boost for a Liverpool side looking to maintain their momentum at the top of the table.
