Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s injury status, while the club faces mounting pressure to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-term future amidst interest from European giants.
Alisson, who missed Liverpool’s recent 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, is still on the road to recovery. Slot confirmed in a pre-match press conference that the Brazilian keeper will not be available for the upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against West Ham United.
“Alisson is getting there, but I think this game is going to be a bit too early. We’re looking at the weekend against Wolves, but it’s going to be tight. So let’s see if he manages to be there, but he will not be there tomorrow,” Slot stated.
In Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up admirably, keeping a clean sheet against Bournemouth. The Republic of Ireland international is set to start again in the cup tie, with Slot praising his capabilities as a backup option.
The manager’s update suggests a cautious approach to Alisson’s return, highlighting the importance of the ‘world-class’ goalkeeper to Liverpool’s ambitions across multiple competitions this season.
With Champions League qualification secured, the Reds are eyeing success on several fronts, necessitating careful management of their squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool faces a different kind of challenge off the pitch.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation has become a pressing concern, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2025. According to reports from Dean Jones at GIVEMESPORT, European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation closely.
The England international’s contract negotiations come at a crucial time for Liverpool, with other key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also entering the final 18 months of their deals.
This puts additional pressure on Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy to demonstrate the club’s ambition and progress to retain their star players.