Liverpool are preparing for the crucial part of the season, where significant prizes are at stake. However, Jürgen Klopp faces a concerning challenge with a growing list of injuries.
Despite securing a victory against Brentford, Liverpool find themselves in a worrisome situation due to injuries. While Darwin Núñez may recover after being substituted at half-time as a precaution, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are the latest additions to the growing list of absentees.
Thiago Alcântara, Stefan Bajčetić, Joël Matip, Alisson Becker, Ben Doak, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai are already sidelined for varying durations — a substantial roster when listed together. Mohamed Salah recently returned from a hamstring injury, and Kostas Tsimikas is yet to feature following his recovery from a shoulder problem.
The severity of some players’ injuries remains uncertain. Post-match assessments were too early to gauge the extent of the new injuries, and Alisson’s medical tests are pending results, expected in time for Klopp’s press conference ahead of the Luton match on Tuesday. Further updates on Jota, Jones, and Szoboszlai are also anticipated then.
In the situation concerning Alisson, there arises a potential advantage not necessarily from his absence, but rather from his backup, Caoimhín Kelleher, gaining some momentum – a concept highly valued by Jürgen Klopp. This could prove crucial with the Carabao Cup final looming next weekend.
Alisson’s availability for midweek against Luton appears uncertain due to a muscle injury, and even if he does recover, he won’t start at Wembley. With the Carabao Cup considered Kelleher’s domain, he is poised to start the final, barring any unforeseen injuries in the interim.
While thrusting Kelleher into action without prior preparation would have been risky, the absence of Liverpool’s top goalkeeper has mitigated some of that risk.
Even if Alisson returns on Wednesday, Kelleher has now gained valuable experience with consecutive Premier League appearances, a rarity for him.
Alisson missed the win against Burnley due to illness and was also absent for the victory over Brentford due to injury.
Consequently, Kelleher had the opportunity to gain match fitness with some competitive minutes, and he has shown impressive performances in those matches.
In the match against Burnley, Kelleher displayed good form, notably making a crucial one-on-one save against David Datro Fofana, with Wilson Odobert failing to convert the follow-up.
Similarly, in the game against Brentford, he exhibited impressive shot-stopping skills and made a significant save just before Ivan Toney scored a consolation goal.
Kelleher emerged as the hero in the previous Carabao Cup final, although Liverpool aim to secure victory in this match without the need for extra time or penalties.
Despite Alisson’s absence due to illness and injury, it may have served as a beneficial preparation for the upcoming showcase event.
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