Liverpool handed the goalkeeper a lifeline ahead of the Crystal Palace visit
Liverpool got a major boost on Friday when Arne Slot confirmed that Alisson Becker is close to returning for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian has been sidelined for the last six matches, and while Slot mentioned in his pre-match press conference that Alisson might be ready to feature at Anfield, it isn’t a sure thing yet. Slot admitted the game could still come a bit too soon for the 33-year-old.
“No, Giorgi [Mamardashvili] will definitely not be available tomorrow and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot said. “Alli [Alisson] is close to returning to play. Let’s see if tomorrow comes too early.
“Joe is back in the squad. It’s really helpful. Wata is starting to go out, not with the team yet, but to exercises with the rehab team. “He won’t be available for United or Chelsea, but he could be back before the end of the season.”
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The situation in the goal has become pretty messy lately. Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been filling in for Alisson, ended up in the treatment room himself after being stretchered off with a knee injury during the Merseyside derby win over Everton. That forced Slot to call on third-choice Freddie Woodman, who did a great job coming off the bench for his Premier League debut. Slot confirmed Mamardashvili is definitely out for the Palace game and will be sidelined for a few weeks, leaving Woodman as the go-to man if Alisson doesn’t pass his fitness test. On a brighter note, Joe Gomez is back in the squad, while Wataru Endo is still with the rehab team but might return before the season ends. Hugo Ekitike, however, is facing a long recovery after surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon.
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What does this mean for the run-in?
Liverpool are in a strong spot in the table, and Saturday is a chance to pull further away from the chasing pack. But the goalkeeper musical chairs says a lot about how the squad handles pressure. Woodman has looked calm when called upon, but there’s no replacing what Alisson brings: his distribution, his presence, and the way he reads the game.
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Liverpool have managed to keep their results on track without their number one, which shows just how resilient this group is. That said, having Alisson back for the final stretch, starting with Palace and moving on to Old Trafford, really raises the team’s ceiling. Slot has clearly built a lot of trust within the squad, and that’s why players like Woodman have been able to step up so well. A win against Palace is the immediate priority, but having Alisson fit and sharp for the business end of the season is what will really drive Liverpool’s momentum heading into next year.
