Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson faces an extended absence, impacting crucial matches in the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and the Champions League tie versus Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Arne Slot delivered a mixed fitness update, highlighting the significant loss of the Brazil international while noting several promising returns.
Alisson’s Major Setback
The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who has encountered 11 injuries or illnesses over the past three seasons—many hamstring-related—missed the recent defeat at Brighton and Brazil’s international camp. He remains sidelined for both legs against the European champions PSG, who eliminated Liverpool last year. Alisson recently activated a contract extension securing his stay at Anfield through next season, but Giorgi Mamardashvili, signed from Valencia two years ago, steps in as deputy. Slot typically reserves the third-choice keeper for early domestic cup games when Alisson is unavailable, making it unlikely Freddie Woodman starts over Mamardashvili at the Etihad.
Boost from Salah’s Return
Mohamed Salah rejoins the squad after sitting out the Brighton loss and Egypt’s international duties. This marks the start of his farewell appearances following his announcement to depart at season’s end.
Other Players Edging Back
Alexander Isak completes two training sessions before the City trip and may feature briefly from the bench—his first outing since a fractured tibia at Tottenham Hotspur on December 20, following a 3.5-month layoff.
Jeremie Frimpong resumes training after a Netherlands issue this week, though Slot proceeds cautiously given his multiple injuries this season.
Slot’s Assessment
Slot stated: “(Alisson) will not be part of the Paris Saint-Germain games as well. He will be out for a bit longer. Towards the end of the season we expect him to be fit.”
On Isak’s progress, he added: “It will definitely be too fast to expect him in the starting line-up; he trained with us yesterday for the first time after exactly 101 days out. It will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes, but we will make sure we do the right thing in terms of building him up. It is a very good thing to have him on the training ground again. It will be even better to have him available for games.”
