Liverpool have received a considerable boost ahead of their Saturday fixture against Wolves, as Alisson Becker is set to return from a brief injury layoff to resume his role in goal for the Reds. The Brazilian goalkeeper, who is 31 years old, had been sidelined for the past two matches after sustaining a minor hamstring injury during Liverpool’s Champions League opener against AC Milan last week.
Alisson returned to full training this week, and his participation in the entire training session on Friday signaled his readiness for the upcoming match against Wolves. This development has come as great news for Liverpool, given the importance of Alisson to the team in recent seasons. Since joining from Roma, he has been a critical player for the Reds, providing stability and world-class shot-stopping ability in goal.
During his pre-match press conference, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson is fit and ready to play at Molineux Stadium. “We believe he is ready to play,” Slot stated, according to The Athletic. He went on to explain that the Brazilian had trained with the group on Thursday and completed the session without any issues. Additionally, Alisson was expected to participate in the final training session on Friday, further solidifying his availability for the match. “He trained yesterday with the group and is expected to complete today’s session. So we think he’s available,” Slot added.
While Slot was clearly pleased with Alisson’s return to fitness, he also took the opportunity to commend Caoimhin Kelleher’s performances in the Brazilian’s absence. Kelleher, Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, has put in solid displays over the last two matches, proving that Liverpool has strong depth in the goalkeeping department. Slot was quick to praise Kelleher for stepping up when needed, underscoring the competition for the goalkeeper spot.
However, despite Kelleher’s commendable performances, Alisson’s return may signal that Kelleher needs to look for more regular playing time elsewhere. Now 25 years old, Kelleher has been Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper for several seasons but may seek more consistent opportunities to start as he enters the prime years of his career.
Furthermore, Liverpool is reportedly eyeing Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is expected to join the club next summer. The Georgian goalkeeper’s potential arrival could limit Kelleher’s chances even further. With this in mind, this season may very well be Kelleher’s last at Anfield, as he looks to secure more first-team opportunities at another club. Despite his quality performances for Liverpool, the ambition to play more regularly may push Kelleher toward a new chapter in his career.
