Alisson injury: Progress and potential return date for Liverpool goalkeeper
- Alisson is one of several key Liverpool absences
- Brazillian is dealing with a hamstring injury
- Jurgen Klopp described Alisson's issue as 'serious'
If Jurgen Klopp is to enjoy his fairytale ending as Liverpool boss, the German will have to overcome the injury crisis from hell!
The Reds are not alone in dealing with a litany of absences this season, but the title hopefuls seem to have been hard-hit in one fell swoop.
Klopp was without 14 first teamers due to injury and illness for their FA Cup fifth round win over Southampton, but impressive core of academy stars have helped the Reds mitigate their major absences and they were able to secure their first piece of silverware in the season in the form of the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool have so far escaped their long list of absences without major punishment, and while Klopp should welcome back several stars in the coming weeks, usual life-saver, Alisson Becker, is poised to miss much of the run-in.
What injury does Alisson have?
The Brazilian was set to play a leading role amid the club's charge for a second Premier League title, but Alisson's hamstring injury has been described as "serious" by Klopp and is expected to be out for an extended period.
The star goalkeeper hasn't featured for the Reds since their 3-1 defeat to title rivals Arsenal on 4 February, during which Alisson made a couple of errors leading directly to Gunners goals.
The Brazilian picked up his hamstring issue in the build-up to Liverpool's trip to Brentford on 17 February.
When will Alisson return from injury?
Klopp provided a rather concerning update ahead of Liverpool's trip to Nottingham Forest, but he does believe that his number one will be back in action before the season draws to a close.
"There is no real timescale on it, but it is a proper muscle injury," Klopp said. "It is not a short one. It is a rather serious one, but not a season-ending injury."
We're merely speculating, but Klopp's vague diagnosis would suggest a potential return in April.
What Liverpool games has Alisson missed due to injury?
Liverpool's last-gasp victory at Nottingham Forest was the sixth they were without Alisson. The goalkeeper has missed the last five due to his injury, and he was also absent for the 3-1 win over Burnley on 10 February due to illness.
Presuming he is out for the next month or so, Alisson will also miss crucial games against both Manchester clubs in the Premier League as well as Liverpool's FA Cup quarter-final tie against United. The Reds' Europa League knockout stage campaign begins against Sparta Prague in the round of 16 on 7 March.
How have Liverpool done without Alisson and who has replaced him?
Irishman Caoimhín Kelleher has so far filled the void superbly. Stylistically similar to the Brazilian, Kelleher was outstanding during Liverpool's Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea and was key in making sure of the Reds' FA Cup progression against Southampton in the fifth round.
Kelleher recorded his third clean sheet on the bounce against Forest at the start of March, and he'll remain between the sticks while Alisson is out of action (presuming the 25-year-old stays injury-free himself!)
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