Alisson injury update: Progress and potential return date for Liverpool goalkeeper

Liverpool romped to a 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham United on Wednesday night but did so in the absence of star goalkeeper Alisson.

The Brazilian has emerged as arguably the best shot-stopper in world football since joining the Reds from Roma in 2018, playing over 250 games in all competitions and winning the Champions League and Premier League alongside other cup triumphs.

However, while Liverpool have enjoyed a largely positive start to life without Jurgen Klopp under new manager Arne Slot, they've had to make do without their Brazilian number one while he recovers from a muscle complaint.

So when will he return to action? Here's the latest news about Alisson's injury, recovery and potential return date.

What injury does Alisson have?

Alisson played in Liverpool's first Champions League fixture of the season, largely having little to do as his side ran out 3-1 winners against Milan at San Siro. However, reports of a hamstring blow began to emerge and manager Slot then revealed his goalkeeper was doubtful to play in his side's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

He said: "Alisson is still a doubt if he can train today, so let's wait [to see] if he can train. Then, if he can't then he will probably not play as well, so we have to wait and see.

"[Alisson] has a slight issue with one of his muscles and we wonder if this game tomorrow is coming too early or not. I think he did not take it from the Milan game, it happened a bit before, but after the Milan game he felt more and more.

"Now we have to wait to see if he is ready to be in goal tomorrow, or we have to wait a few more extra days."

Alisson had criticised the increased workload placed on players by the expansion of the Champions League prior to officially being ruled out of action.

When will Alisson return from injury?

Alisson looks to be targeting a return to fitness for the coming weekend, when Liverpool are scheduled to take on Wolves in Saturday's evening kick-off.

Speaking before Wednesday's 5-1 thrashing of West Ham in the Carabao Cup, Slot revealed: "It is sure that Caoimhin Kelleher will play tomorrow [Wednesday]. Alisson, we are looking for the weekend against Wolves but it will be tight. Kelleher will be in goal tomorrow; that's the one thing I know for sure at the moment."

If that fixture comes too soon for the former Roma star, Alisson could return in time for Liverpool's second Champions League game of the season, a home clash with Serie A side Bologna next week.

Who can replace Alisson at Liverpool?

Injury woes aren't a new phenomenon for Alisson. The 31-year-old was absent for large chunks of the 2023/24 campaign due to various blows, allowing understudy Caoimhin Kelleher to play 26 matches in all competitions.

The Republic of Ireland international made a number of important contributions while filling in, playing the Carabao Cup final and making nine saves before Virgil van Dijk's extra-time header won the silverware for Klopp's kids at Wembley Stadium.

Kelleher remains the number two goalie under Slot despite voicing his desire to become a regular starter elsewhere during the summer transfer window. How long he sticks around at Anfield beyond this campaign remains to be seen, but Liverpool are in pretty safe hands with Kelleher whenever Alisson is sidelined.

Will Alisson be available for Fantasy Football?

As the starting goalkeeper for one of the top Premier League teams, Alisson is always healthily backed by Fantasy Premier League players each season. He's in little over a tenth of all FPL teams ahead of Gameweek 6.

However, fans will have to wait on another update from manager Slot before the Reds take on Wolves on Saturday to know whether or not the Brazilian will be fit to play.

The Dutchman has already hinted Alisson could return, but Liverpool's injuries elsewhere are minimal. Midfielder Harvey Elliott is the only other player currently ruled out from featuring at Molineux.

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