Liverpool fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike have been dealt a blow with the recent news of goalkeeper Alisson Becker's injury. The Brazilian shot-stopper is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming clash against Chelsea, according to an update from manager Arne Slot.
Alisson was forced off late into the second half during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park. His replacement, Vitezslav Jaros, had to make his debut in a tense situation. The severity of Alisson’s injury became immediately apparent as he punched the turf in frustration before limping off the field.
During his post-match press conference, Slot confirmed that it could mean a layoff for Liverpool’s No. 1 goalkeeper. When asked if it was a hamstring injury, Slot replied: “I think it is, yes.”
Arne Slot, Liverpool manager, said:
“The latest is that we don’t know, but what we do know is if a player walks off like he does that normally means that 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,” he said.
“But we have to wait and see, it’s going to take a few weeks I assume for him to be back.”
Impact on upcoming matches and squad selection
The expectation now is that Caoimhin Kelleher will start in the Chelsea fixture on October 20th as Liverpool awaits scan results on Alisson‘s issue. This development should be considered significant by both sports fans and those interested in sports betting.
This isn't the first time that Alisson has struggled with hamstring issues; last season saw him miss over 15 games – equating to more than 56 days – due to similar problems.
Arne Slot added:
“I think Alisson is our clear No. 1, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world, so it’s always a blow when he gets injured – for himself, but also for us as a team, But the positive thing for the team is – and it’s not only in the goalkeeper position, but almost every position – that we have a second option that’s also really good.
“Caoimh has already shown that, so that’s quite that he’s the No. 2, otherwise the last time Alisson was injured I would have played Vit. I played Caoimh, so Caoimh is the No. 2, did really well and it’s very pleasing to see that our third goalkeeper – because Caoimh was sick yesterday and today of course – can have an impact on our results.”
What this means for Brazil
In addition to impacting Liverpool's lineup, this injury also means that Alisson is not expected to join Brazil squad for their international break matches. This could potentially affect Brazil's performance given his pivotal role as their first-choice goalkeeper.
While this news comes as a disappointment for both Liverpool supporters and sports bettors alike, all eyes will now be on Kelleher as he steps up in place of injured Alisson against Chelsea later this month.
The situation also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where injuries can significantly alter team dynamics and match outcomes. As always, it's crucial for fans and bettors to stay updated with the latest news to make informed decisions and predictions.
