Liverpool manager Arne Slot has stated that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth due to a muscle issue.
Alisson has featured in all four league games for Liverpool this season and was also in goal for their Champions League victory against AC Milan on Tuesday. Additionally, he played for Brazil during the Copa America this summer and in the recent international break.
When discussing the busy fixture schedule prior to the Milan game, the 31-year-old expressed frustration, stating that “nobody asks the players” about their workload.
“It’s uncertain if Alisson can train on Friday,” Slot stated. “If he can’t, he probably won’t play. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Alisson was not seen during a portion of training open to select media, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros taking turns in goal. Kelleher previously stepped in for Alisson when the Brazilian missed over two months of action last season due to injury.
“Alisson has a slight muscle issue, and we’re considering if this game is too soon for him,” Slot explained. “He didn’t sustain the injury during the Milan match; it occurred earlier, but he felt it increasingly after that game.”
“We’ll have to wait to see if he’ll be in goal on Saturday or if we need to give him a few extra days.”
Liverpool suffered a home defeat to Nottingham Forest following the international break but bounced back with a win against Milan. They are set to host Bournemouth in the third of seven matches scheduled over 22 days. However, manager Arne Slot remains unfazed by the hectic schedule.
“The Premier League has four more games compared to the Eredivisie, plus the League Cup, which is the main difference,” Slot noted. “Another significant difference is that we play during Christmas and New Year.”
He emphasized the higher competition level, saying, “The strength and quality of the league, along with teams like Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, far surpasses that of Eredivisie teams that don’t contend for top-six positions. That’s where the real difference lies.”
