Liverpool ace Alisson Becker is ruled out until November
Liverpool face a major problem with Alisson sidelined until after the November international break. The Brazilian goalkeeper picked up a hamstring injury in midweek against Galatasaray, and scans suggest he could miss some crucial fixtures, including games against Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
That is as per The Athletic [subscription required]. His absence is a huge blow for Liverpool, not just because of his shot-stopping ability, but also because of the leadership and confidence he brings to the backline. He remains calm and composed in the toughest of situations.
Without him, Liverpool will struggle to maintain that stability. The defensive gaps are likely to be exploited by top opposition.
Part of the problem has been the shaky form of Ibrahima Konate this season. The centre-back has repeatedly found himself out of position, forcing the rest of the backline into awkward situations. It was one of these moments that contributed to Alisson’s injury, as he saw himself exposed in a one-on-one scenario against Galatasaray. Konate’s inconsistency has put extra pressure on his teammates, and Alisson has often been left to compensate for defensive errors that should not have happened in the first place.
Oh, Ali!
The timing of this injury is particularly bad, with top fixtures against big teams looming. Liverpool’s defensive unit will have to work harder than ever, and they will see themselves tested repeatedly without Ali at the back. The leadership and calm that Alisson provides will remain sorely missed, especially as defensive errors have been more visible this season.
While the Reds have an excellent deputy in Giorgi Mamardashvili, he’s new to the Premier League and it would not come across as a shock if the Georgian international takes time to settle down.
Although the club is yet to confirm Ali’s situation officially, we can expect a full diagnosis and assessment soon. Arne Slot shall surely speak about the injury ahead of the Chelsea clash, and we can only hope he does not remain out of the squad for long.