Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is finally fit to return for Liverpool on Tuesday night after missing 11 games due to injury. However, boss Arne Slot has reminded his No. 1 that he has big shoes to fill in replacing back-up keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Brazilian has been sidelined for two months with a hamstring injury, having also missed a significant portion of last season for the same reason. Kelleher has performed admirably in Alisson’s absence, despite a rare error in the recent 3-3 draw at Newcastle.
Slot has consistently stated that Alisson, 32, is his primary choice in goal, regardless of Kelleher’s impressive form. However, the Reds head coach acknowledged that it will be challenging for Alisson to surpass the performance of the Irish shot-stopper upon his return.
“I think it speaks for itself if you can play with Alisson, who has been outstanding for this club and the Brazil national team for so many years,” said Slot. “But if you look at how his replacement has performed, it’s difficult to do better. Caoimh has done so well, so we can say we have two very good goalkeepers. We hope Alisson will continue his excellence when he returns.”
Liverpool will need to rely on their squad depth in the coming weeks, with the trip to Girona marking the first of six matches in a congested festive schedule.
Alisson Becker has been included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the clash against Girona, returning from a lengthy injury layoff and having missed 11 matches this season.
Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, who have made just one league start between them before December, will be called upon frequently, as fellow defenders Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, and Kostas Tsimikas are unlikely to feature before Christmas.
There may also be opportunities for Japan midfielder Wataru Endo this week, as Alexis Mac Allister is suspended in both the Champions League and Premier League due to accumulated yellow cards.
Federico Chiesa remained on Merseyside due to illness, while Diogo Jota trained on Monday but is not yet fit to play. Youngsters James McConnell and James Norris were part of Liverpool’s 19-man traveling party from John Lennon Airport.
Girona, part of the City Football Group and sister club to Manchester City, is in the Champions League for the first time after finishing third in LaLiga last year. Slot remarked, “It’s special what they have accomplished here. They nearly became the Leicester City of Spain, competing for the league title on a modest budget. That shows how good a manager Michel is. Last season, I watched them closely.”
Michel, who was considered a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at City, noted, “Liverpool dominate all aspects of the game. Their play is dynamic, they change structure at any moment, and they have players with top intensity and pressure. At Rayo (Vallecano, his former club), I always dreamed of ‘next year Rayo-Liverpool’ when they were in Europe. After qualifying for the Champions League, Liverpool was an opponent I wanted. Playing at Anfield or here is a dream for everyone.”