Alisson Becker doubtful for Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth due to muscle injury

LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot said on Sept 20 that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is doubtful for their English Premier League home clash with Bournemouth due to a muscle injury.

The Brazilian No. 1 felt the problem before the 3-1 Champions League victory over AC Milan on Sept 17, and then aggravated it during the game.

“Alisson is still a doubt if he can train today, so let’s wait (to see) if he can train,” Slot said ahead of the Sept 21 match.

“If he can’t, he probably won’t play as well. He has a slight issue with one of his muscles, and we wonder if this game is coming too early or not.

“Now we have to wait and see if he’s ready to be in goal or we have to wait a few extra days.”

Caoimhin Kelleher, who played the majority of pre-season for Liverpool with Alisson given a break after the Copa America, would replace the Brazilian if he is not fit.

Alisson has conceded just two goals in five games in all competitions this season, with Liverpool enjoying a good start under new manager Slot.

They are fourth in the league table after four games, trailing leaders Manchester City by three points.

The Reds won their first three matches without conceding a goal, before a shock 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last time out. But they got back to winning ways by dominating Milan at the San Siro in their return to the Champions League after a year’s absence from Europe’s top competition.

“It was not only about bouncing back after the loss against Forest,” said Slot, when asked if his team are back on track.

“The Liverpool teams of the past and some of these players have set high standards in Europe and we have to try to get back to those standards and we have made a good step.

“The performance shows we can dominate in a stadium that is not Anfield.”

Harvey Elliott is expected to be the only other absentee for the match against Bournemouth.

The Cherries, who have lost 11 of their 14 Premier League matches against Liverpool, are 11th in the table on five points after beating Everton, drawing against Forest and Newcastle United, and losing to Chelsea.

“Bournemouth started off quite well with a win against our neighbours,” Slot added.

“The manager has done a tremendous job there, nice football to watch and has developed players. They were aggressive here last season (Liverpool won 3-1) and scored a goal off a high press and we expect the same.”

It is still early in the season, but the Dutchman was also asked about his thoughts on managing in the Premier League so far.

He said: “Until now, I haven’t seen anything different but Premier League has four extra games and the League Cup. From the start to now, we’ve played just as many games as at Feyenoord – that’s not an issue to me.

“But main difference with Premier League to Europe is we have to play at Christmas and New Year. And the quality of the league, of Forest and Bournemouth, is much, much higher than if you play in Eredivisie against a team not challenging for the top six.”

Meanwhile, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that the only player who is out due to injury is Tyler Adams.

His team suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Chelsea in their previous match after an 86th-minute Christopher Nkunku goal, while Evanilson missed a first-half penalty.

Iraola believes that should the situation arise again – and considering that Liverpool will not have their first-choice goalkeeper between the posts – the Brazilian striker will do better this time.

“We’ve talked to him, but he’s used to it. He has taken and missed penalties before. I’ve missed penalties in my career and I know how it feels,” he said.

“You have to try and not let it change your confidence and attitude. You have to try to forget about it and continue performing well, is what I would suggest to him.” REUTERS