Anfield Index
·6 October 2024
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·6 October 2024
Liverpool fans were dealt a significant blow during their recent Premier League clash at Selhurst Park, with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker sustaining an injury late in the game. As the Reds secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, the attention quickly shifted to the fitness of their Brazilian shot-stopper. Manager Arne Slot provided a sombre update post-match, and the implications of Alisson’s absence could be far-reaching.
It didn’t take long for Liverpool to act once the severity of Alisson’s injury became clear. The club promptly informed the Brazilian FA that Alisson would not be available for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in October. Brazil are set to face Chile and Peru, but will now have to navigate these fixtures without their veteran goalkeeper.
Alisson, 32, went down during the second half of Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace, immediately signalling trouble. Despite initial attempts to carry on, the Brazilian international was unable to continue, forcing Vitezslav Jaros to make his senior debut for Liverpool.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be concerned, as Alisson has been a crucial figure for the club since his arrival, but Slot’s comments post-match left little room for optimism. Slot noted that Alisson’s injury appears serious, and the Brazilian media have since confirmed that his absence has now been made official.
The injury to Alisson meant an unexpected debut for Czech goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros. With Caoimhin Kelleher sidelined through illness, Jaros found himself thrown into the action, and manager Arne Slot was quick to praise the young goalkeeper for his performance.
“Really good,” Slot said of Jaros’ debut. “He had a good season and he won the league and cup with the team [Sturm Graz] in Austria [last season]. He wanted to go [back this season] and have playing time. We said at a club like this we need a good third goalkeeper as well. It was a nice moment for him to make his debut for Liverpool.”
Jaros, just 22, has had limited opportunities at Liverpool, spending much of his recent career on loan at various clubs, including a successful stint with Sturm Graz in Austria. With Alisson out, Jaros may see more game time in the coming weeks, although Kelleher’s return from illness could provide competition for the number one jersey.
Liverpool’s depth in goal will be tested, especially with a challenging run of fixtures ahead. The Reds are set to face Arsenal away next, a match that Arne Slot admits will be a true test of his squad’s resilience.
Slot himself acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming schedule, saying: “The fixtures are difficult but I have 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 when we face Arsenal away but both fixtures are difficult.”
Alisson’s absence will be a significant blow for Liverpool, as the Brazilian’s experience and composure between the sticks have been crucial to their defensive solidity. While Jaros impressed on his debut, the lack of depth at this key position may force Slot to consider rotating his options, especially with Kelleher’s health still in question.
As reported by Brazilian outlet Globo, Brazil have already moved to replace Alisson for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, calling up veteran goalkeeper Weverton from Palmeiras. The 36-year-old has 10 caps for his country and was last seen in action for Brazil during a friendly against Morocco in 2023.
Brazil’s qualification campaign has been anything but smooth, taking just one point from their last four matches in 2023. A loss to Paraguay in September has left their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance. The absence of Alisson will be a blow, but Weverton’s experience could provide some stability as Brazil look to turn things around.
Alisson’s injury is an untimely setback for Liverpool and could complicate their quest for Premier League success. While Jaros made a solid debut, the Reds will hope that either Kelleher or Alisson return to full fitness soon. As Arne Slot adjusts to life in the Premier League, his ability to manage this goalkeeping crisis could be a defining moment in Liverpool’s season.