Liverpool remain top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought win today at Crystal Palace. However, the win came with a cost as the Reds’ number one goalkeeper Alisson left the pitch injured in the second half.
Liverpool controlled the ball possession at Selhurst Park throughout the first half. Arne Slot’s men went ahead in the ninth minute with a side-footed shot from Diogo Jota who had a very impressive first half. Palace tried to get back in the game in the second half and tested Alisson a couple of times, the Brazilian denying Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah with brilliant reflexes. However, he went down in pain after clearing a loose ball. He was attended to on the pitch before Vitezslav Jaros came in as his substitute for the remainder of the game.
Following the game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave an update on the goalkeeper’s situation, suggesting that he might be out for an extended period. This might imply that Alisson will be absent when the Reds face RB Leipzig in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League later this month.
Liverpool have a couple of difficult fixtures following the international break. Responding to questions about the tough schedule, the Liverpool boss said, “The fixtures are difficult but I’ve also felt how difficult Wolves away is and how difficult Crystal Palace away is. We will probably not be as dominant as we were today. Both fixtures were difficult and it’s very good that we won these games, it’s up to us to show ourselves in the big games as well.”
Speaking on Alisson’s availability for the run of fixtures, he said, “Unfortunately, Ali will not be with us in those matches I assume, if I saw how he walked off the pitch but it was also very good to see with Caoim [Kelleher] being sick yesterday our third goalkeeper got this performance in.”
Slot also suggested that the keeper likely injured his hamstring, although further tests will be needed to confirm that. Alisson’s injury means he will be absent from Brazil’s squad for the coming international break.
