Another big blow for Arne Slot

Liverpool’s season has taken a fresh hit after first-choice goalkeeper Alisson revealed he faces another prolonged spell on the sidelines. The Brazil international, who only recently returned from a muscle complaint, used social media on Saturday to confirm the setback ahead of the Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.

“Unfortunately, I’ll have to stay a while out of action,” Alisson wrote. “Already working hard to be back stronger. Thank you for you support.”

No specifics about the nature or severity of the injury have been released, and manager Arne Slot avoided the topic during Friday’s media duties. What is clear is that the 31-year-old has already withdrawn from the Seleção’s forthcoming international fixtures and will channel his energy into rehabilitation.

The news is a sobering reminder of the fitness struggles that have interrupted Alisson’s past 18 months. He sat out eight matches earlier this term with a hamstring issue and, in total, has missed 40 club and country games during 2024. Although the current campaign had been relatively unhindered until now, Liverpool must again plan without their established No. 1.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is poised to deputise, starting with the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City. The Georgian is also set to be in goal for the Champions League quarter-final first leg versus Paris Saint-Germain, and a month-long lay-off would place the return leg in doubt, as well as league encounters with Fulham and Everton on 19 April.

Should recovery stretch into May, Liverpool could be forced to navigate pivotal Premier League appointments with Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa without their senior goalkeeper, adding pressure to a squad chasing a top-four finish on multiple fronts.

Alisson’s absence intensifies scrutiny on Slot’s resources at the sharp end of the season, leaving the club to balance silver-laden cup runs with the demands of domestic qualification.