Liverpool’s Injury Concerns: Alisson and Mac Allister Face Time on the Sidelines
Liverpool may be leading the Premier League under new manager Arne Slot, but the international break comes at a challenging time. After a solid 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks to an early strike from Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s celebrations were tempered by two significant injuries. Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister both left the pitch early, raising concerns ahead of crucial fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Alisson Becker’s Hamstring Setback
Alisson Becker’s injury is a substantial blow for Liverpool. Having recently returned from a hamstring issue, the Brazilian shot-stopper once again faces time on the sidelines after limping off in the 79th minute against Crystal Palace. Vitezslav Jaros replaced him, as backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was unavailable due to illness.
Slot provided some insight into Alisson’s situation, stating, “The latest is that we don’t know but what we do know is that if a player walks off like he did, that normally means that he is not in the Brazil squad and I don’t expect him to be in the team in the first game we play after [the international break].”
The manager’s comments suggest Liverpool might have to go without their first-choice goalkeeper when they face Chelsea at Anfield on October 20. Alisson’s exact recovery time remains unclear, but the club fears he may be sidelined until November. This creates an opportunity for Kelleher, who is expected to return from illness soon, to step up in the upcoming fixtures.
Potential return date: Unknown, potentially November
Alexis Mac Allister’s Groin Injury
While Alisson’s departure grabbed most of the headlines, Alexis Mac Allister’s substitution at half-time was another concern. The Argentine midfielder, who has quickly established himself as a critical player for Liverpool, left the field with a groin issue. Dominik Szoboszlai took his place, and Slot later provided a cautious update.
“He went off because of an injury, but how bad it is is difficult for me to judge in this moment,” Slot said. “He could have continued playing, like you saw, because it didn’t happen one second before half-time, but he felt it a bit too much and he said he didn’t think it was good to keep on playing because you never know if you will make it worse.”
Liverpool hopes this cautious approach will lead to a quick recovery for Mac Allister, though his participation in Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers remains uncertain. Further assessments will determine whether he can rejoin the Liverpool squad for the Chelsea match.
Potential return date: Unknown
Federico Chiesa’s Ongoing Fitness Struggles
Liverpool’s summer signing, Federico Chiesa, has faced a slow start due to fitness issues. The Italian forward sustained an unspecified injury in training that ruled him out of the Champions League tie with Bologna and the recent Crystal Palace match. Slot did not include him in the squad for the Palace game, but there is hope he can recover during the international break and be ready for the Chelsea fixture.
Chiesa’s limited appearances so far have frustrated Liverpool fans eager to see the pace and flair he brings to the side. However, with the injury setbacks for Alisson and Mac Allister, the Reds need all hands on deck, and Chiesa’s return would be timely.
Potential return date: October 21, vs Chelsea
Caoimhin Kelleher and Harvey Elliott Set for Return
Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, missed the Palace match due to illness, forcing Slot to call upon 23-year-old Jaros. Kelleher, who has proven himself a capable understudy to Alisson, is expected to return in time to start against Chelsea.
Midfielder Harvey Elliott, meanwhile, continues to recover from a foot fracture that forced him to withdraw from England’s Under-21 squad last month. Slot had expressed disappointment over Elliott’s absence, saying, “If he had stayed fit he would have had a lot of playing time in the upcoming fixtures, but now it gives a chance to someone else.” There is optimism that he will be available shortly after the international break, adding depth to Liverpool’s midfield options.
Potential return dates:
- Caoimhin Kelleher: October 21, vs Chelsea
- Harvey Elliott: Late October
Liverpool’s Squad Depth Put to the Test
Liverpool’s depth will be vital in the coming weeks. Arne Slot’s squad has excelled in the early stages of the season, but injuries to key players like Alisson and Mac Allister create immediate challenges. With pivotal matches against Chelsea and Arsenal on the horizon, Liverpool’s ability to adapt will play a significant role in sustaining their strong start to the season.
As the Reds push forward, their resilience and the readiness of the backup players will be key to maintaining their momentum. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that the international break brings positive news and speedy recoveries.
