Arne Slot Must be Concerned as Liverpool Ace Proved He’s Becoming a Liability v Palace
Arne Slot’s strong start as Liverpool manager continued over the weekend with a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Diogo Jota’s goal was enough to secure all three points for the Reds, allowing them to create some distance at the top of the Premier League standings.
This victory marked Slot’s 10th win in his first 11 games in charge, reflecting a promising beginning to his tenure. However, the match wasn’t without its challenges.
Alisson Becker, the team’s goalkeeper, had to leave the game in the second half after what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
With no available backup in Caoimhin Kelleher, 23-year-old Vitezslav Jaros came off the bench to replace the injured Brazilian.
Although Jaros managed to keep a clean sheet, Slot would likely prefer not to rely on him if Liverpool is to sustain their success in his debut season at Anfield.
It appears that the injury could sideline Alisson for several matches, according to a statement made by Slot.
After the match, the manager shared that he suspected a hamstring injury, which could sideline the player for several weeks.
The only consolation is that the injury coincides with the international break, giving the team a two-week pause before their next game. However, the manager does not expect the goalkeeper to be fit for their return against Chelsea on October 20.
“We don’t know definitely what happened but if you walk off like he does that normally means he’s not in the Brazil squad and I don’t expect him to be in the team in the first game we play afterwards (at home to Chelsea on October 20).
“It’s going to take a few weeks, I assume. I think it is his hamstring.”
It’s a significant setback for Liverpool, though not an unfamiliar one. The goalkeeper has increasingly struggled with maintaining fitness, raising serious concerns for Slot.
Alisson Has Suffered Several Injuries More Frequently
There’s no doubt that Alisson ranks among the world’s finest goalkeepers. Since his arrival at Liverpool, he has been exceptional, playing a pivotal role in transforming the club from regular contenders into a dominant force under Jurgen Klopp.
When fit and in form, there is arguably no one better. However, this has become a concern. In recent years, Alisson has found himself on the injury list more frequently, posing a significant problem for the Reds.
Since the start of last season, the Brazilian goalkeeper has missed 19 matches due to various injuries. Moreover, he had already faced two separate absences this season before being substituted against Palace. As the saying goes, “the best ability is availability,” and if Alisson cannot maintain his fitness, he may become a liability for the team.
The Reds are currently paying Alisson £150,000 per week, which is justified by his remarkable contributions over the years. However, as he approaches his mid-thirties and grapples with several injury setbacks over the past 15 months, it may be necessary for the club to consider a change.
What Liverpool Supporters are Now Saying
Liverpool are obviously fed up with his injuries.
Every Liverpool fan holds Alisson in high regard. Given his contributions to the club, including a crucial goal that ensured their European football status a couple of seasons ago, he is destined to be remembered as a Liverpool legend. However, there is growing concern among some fans regarding his frequent injuries in recent times.
Taking to social media after he limped out of the Palace game, one fan said: “We’ve signed this lad from Valencia because of Alisson’s injury record 100%. It’s actually pathetic for a goalkeeper.” The Reds signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia this past summer, with the deal set to go through next year and another fan also mentioned the Georgian and his future at Anfield as a result of the Alisson injury, saying: “This is not normal with a goalkeeper. Surely Mamardashvilli is playing here next season and wont go on a loan.”
One more supporter mentioned how Alisson looked going down the tunnel and wasn’t optimistic about the injury, posting: “Alisson could barely walk going down the tunnel. Looked really bad.”
In other Liverpool news, Caoimhin Kelleher Absence from Liverpool’s Squad That Thrashed Crystal Palace Explained With Expected Return Date
