Liverpool FC will be without keeper Alisson and attacker Diogo Jota for the next few weeks. For manager Jürgen Klopp, there is only one positive aspect to this news
Jürgen Klopp had repeatedly expressed his displeasure at the early scheduling of the Premier League top match. And now it has actually happened: Liverpool FC paid dearly for the 1:1 draw at defending champions Manchester City last Saturday.
Goalkeeper Alisson, who had played twice for Brazil in the previous international phase, suffered a thigh injury at the Etihad Stadium. Although the 31-year-old, who had repeatedly shown signs of insecurity during the game on Saturday lunchtime, remained at his post until the final whistle, he is now expected to miss five games and is not expected back until Manchester United on December 17.
While Alisson did not suffer a more serious injury than initially feared (Klopp: “It’s bad enough”), Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota will be sidelined for longer. The Portuguese international was substituted in the second half, apparently with a thigh problem.
It is not yet known how long he will be out, but “it’s a bit more serious”, Klopp reported on Wednesday. “We’ll see.” Diogo Jota, who has scored eight times in 17 competitive games this season, missed several months last season due to a calf injury and also missed the World Cup in Brazil.
Proving opportunity for Kelleher
Caoimhin Kelleher now takes Alisson’s place between the posts. The 25-year-old Irish international is now a regular in the cup competitions, but has only played five Premier League games in eight years at Liverpool. “That’s the only good thing about it: that we can bring him in,” said Klopp on the day before the Europa League home game against Linz ASK, in which the Reds want to make sure of progressing. “He would have played tomorrow anyway, now he gets a few more games and can hopefully show his full potential.”
With Thiago and left-back Andy Robertson, Klopp is already without two important players for the long term. “That’s huge,” he grumbled ahead of the traditionally packed pre-Christmas calendar. “It would be great if nothing more happened now. But that’s unlikely. “
